Chad Dawson W8 Denis Grachev... Twenty-four hours after learning he’d been inducted into the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame, former world light heqavyweight champion “Bad” Chad Dawson turned back the clock with another comeback victory at the Connecticut Convention Center in downtown Hartford. The 37 year-old Dawson (36-5) outworked Russian veteran Denis Grachev (19-9-1) by scores of 80-72 (twice) and 79-73. After shaking off the rust in his comeback fight in June, the former two-time champion Dawson looked much sharper Friday against Grachev, using his footwork and defense, coupled with a stiff jab, to keep the hard-charging Russian at bay. Grachev promised to dictate the pace, suggesting Dawson doesn’t handle pressure well, but the New Haven, CT, veteran controlled the fight from the opening bell, save for a brief scare in the sixth when Grachev landed a clean shot and backed the champ against the ropes.

 

Dawson has now won two straight since a two-year ring absence. Afterward, Dawson issued a challenge to the world’s top-rated 175-pounders, citing, “I feel like I’m 25 again.” On Thursday, the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame announced Dawson as one six honorees in its 2019 class, which also includes Arturo Gatti and Delvin Rodriguez. source: ces boxing