Four years ago, Chad Dawson burst onto the scene with a dominating win over Tomasz Adamek. It was the kind of performance that signaled the arrival of a future superstar that could rule the Light Heavyweight division, who’s top contenders and champions were well past their sell date. As expect of him, Dawson challenged the old guard, defeating Glen Johnson and Antonio Tarver twice apiece, but still found himself playing second fiddle to Bernard Hopkins. He lobbied unsuccessfully for four years to get him in the ring and in an almost ironic twist, Dawson himself was defeated by the younger Jean Pascal, seeing his momentum come crashing down in an uninspired effort that left many to question his potential and desire to win.
In those same four years, Hopkins himself found himself at the top of the mountain, his only blemishes coming in a split decision loss to Joe Calzaghe and a draw that was later avenged against Pascal to reclaim the Light Heavyweight title. Hopkins paid no mind to the rising Dawson, who he disregarded at the time due to financial reasons. Many, however, believed Hopkins was simply avoiding Dawson until the time was right. This weekend, whether it be by circumstance or fate, the disgraced young prince finally will have his chance to fulfill his destiny facing the old king. But will it be destiny that rules the night come Saturday, or is this really a path the young warrior was never meant to see the end of?
