According to a statement released by WBC president Jose Sulaiman, the organization has reviewed the video of last Saturday’s light heavyweight clash between Bernard Hopkins and Chad Dawson and decided to overturn the initial ruling of the 2nd round TKO victory in favor of Chad Dawson, instead declaring it technical draw. With the decision, Hopkins will retain his WBC light heavyweight title. Check out Sulaiman’s entire statement, including clarification of their rules regarding injuries and fouls.
In regards to the championship defense of the lightweight WBC world champion between Bernard Hopkins and Chad Dawson, held in Los Angeles, California, in which the referee declared a TKO2 against champion Hopkins, as he could not continue due to an injury after a push by challenger Dawson, the head offices of the WBC sent videos, medical reports, and the WBC corresponding rules to the Board of Governors, that unanimously declared a technical draw on the fight; therefore, Bernard Hopkins is still the WBC light heavyweight champion of the world.
The WBC Board of Governors, after reviewing the video of the fight, unanimously declared that the action reflects a Clear intentional lifting the body followed with a push by Dawson to Hopkins, that made him fall on his left side with part of his body out of the ropes.
The California Hospital Medical Center report was also considered by the Board, which states “Bernard Hopkins has been released from the California Medical Center in Los Angeles after being x-rayed and examined by Dr. Sam Thurber, MD who diagnosed Hopkins with a separation of the acromioclavicular (A-C) joint which connects the collar bone and shoulder blade.”
