WBC Declares Hopkins – Dawson Technical Draw, Hopkins Still Champ

The WBC, following a review from its board of governors, has declared the Bernard Hopkins-Chad Dawson light heavyweight title bout on October 15 a technical draw, overturning referee Pat Russell’s original call of second round TKO in Dawson’s favor.

The controversial ending to Bernard Hopkins’ title defense at The Staples Center saw the 46-year-old champion injure his shoulder after being shoved to the canvas by Chad Dawson at the end of the second round. Hopkins, who was later diagnosed with a “separation of the acromioclavicular joint which connects the collar bone and shoulder blade,” was ruled unable to continue. Since no foul was ruled, referee Russell declared the bout a TKO loss for Hopkins and awarded the title to Dawson.

WBC President, Jose Sulaiman issued the following statement to the press: “After thoroughly examining the video of the fight and the medical report, as well as the corresponding rules, the WBC’s Board of Governors decided unanimously to declare the bout a technical draw and to still consider Bernard Hopkins as the WBC light heavyweight champion of the world…after reviewing the video of the fight, [the Boar of Governors] unanimously declared that the action [by Dawson] reflects a clear intentional lifting of the body, followed with a push to Hopkins, that made him fall on his left side with part of his body outside of the ropes.”

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