Hopkins vs. Dawson II: Full Breakdown and Analysis of Chad Dawson's Win

In what may have been the final chapter in an illustrious career, Bernard Hopkins lost the WBC light heavyweight world championship to "Bad" Chad Dawson in a 12-round decision Saturday night in Atlantic City.

In a sloppy and slow-paced fight, Dawson was the better of two lackluster performances, grinding out a 117-111 majority decision in a fight filled with clinches, slips and choppy action punctuated by questionable ring tactics. 

Despite a suspicious 114-114 draw from judge Luis Rivera, Dawson held clear control over Hopkins for the majority of the fight. Bad Chad landed 35 percent of his punches thrown compared to Hopkins' 27 percent, and connected on a solid 48 pecent of power punches as opposed to Hopkins' underwhelming 30 percent landed. Ignoring "The Executioner's" showboating tactics, Dawson never looked to be in danger of losing the fight.

After seemingly splitting the first four rounds, Dawson took hold of the fight in a slow, methodical manner, out-boxing but never dominating the significantly older Hopkins. With neither fighter landing blows with any consistency or momentum, it was Dawson's aggressiveness and dictation of the ring that ultimately won him the fight. 

The best opportunity for Hopkins came from damage caused by his head rather than his punches. While pinned against the ropes in the fourth round, Hopkins connected with an accidental headbutt that opened up a sizable gash near Dawson's left eye, causing blood to flow and rattling him for the remainder of the round. Another headbutt later in the fight, this time less impactful, opened a cut over Dawson's right eye as well.

However, Hopkins never was able to capitalize on the damage inflicted by his cranium, and failed to do any notable further damage to Dawson's eyes through the rest of the fight. Despite the loss, Hopkins looked relatively unscathed compared to Dawson, sustaining little damage but never putting together an attack that could sway control from the much younger Dawson.

Hopkins was visibly upset after the decision was announced, quickly departing to his locker room without giving a post-fight interview. Talking after the bout, Dawson complained of the headbutts before praising Hopkins, claiming that "Hopkins fights like a 35-year-old." Dawson also stated his desire to fight champion Andre Ward. 

For Hopkins, his performance on Saturday should cause him to carefully evaluate the possible remainder of his historic career. The former champion was cagey about his future prospects, refusing to divulge whether or not this fight would be his last. 

The bout was a rematch of their first meeting in the ring on October 15, 2011, a title fight marred by one of the more controversial decisions in recent boxing history. Dawson was originally awarded a second-round TKO after Hopkins fell through ropes, dislocating his shoulder and being ruled unable to continue.

However, after officials reviewed the incident, they discovered that Dawson had lifted and pushed Hopkins to the ground and reversed the decision, declaring the fight a no-contest that allowed Hopkins to retain his belt. 

The unimpressive showing Saturday may not have impressed the crowd (boos were heard throughout the Boardwalk Hall crowd during the fight), but it did give closure to an ugly controversy that left both fighters disappointed. With the dispute now settled, the boxing world's eyes will turn towards Bernard Hopkins, looking to see if the living legend will continue to defy age and logic by continuing his famed but descending career.