Hopkins vs. Dawson: Bad Chad Wins Title in Horribly Boring Fight

Thank god this fight wasn't on pay-per-view.

In a bout completely devoid of drama and excitement, "Bad" Chad Dawson outpointed Bernard Hopkins to win the WBC and The Ring Light Heavyweight titles. It was a boring fight throughout with constant referee stoppages and warnings to "stop right there" after clinches, head butts and arm grabs.

Despite some dirty tactics, the fight lasted 12 grueling rounds, with Dawson eventually prevailing 117-111, 117-111, 114-114. With the win, Dawson improved to 31-1 (with two no-contests), further solidifying his status as one of the best light heavyweights of this era.

He survived an early head butt from Hopkins that opened up a vicious cut over his left eye. But thanks to the work of cutman Rafael Garcia, Dawson was able to continue.

Despite looking more winded than the 47-year-old Hopkins, Dawson was clearly the aggressor throughout. He was constantly moving forward, cutting off the ring and backing the former champ into the ropes.

Although they were few and far between, he also landed the more staggering blows in the fight. He knocked Hopkins off balance several times, while B-Hop failed to hurt Dawson with anything that wasn't a head butt.

Now, Dawson will move on to fight current WBA (Super), WBC and The Ring super middleweight champ Andre Ward in what will be one of the most anticipated fights of the year.

Hopkins, meanwhile, will hopefully be heading for retirement. The boxing legend can clearly still hang with the best of them, but after failing to win three of his last four fights, I'd like to see him hang up the gloves.