• Light-heavyweight

Hopkins' contentious defeat wiped off record

Bernard Hopkins grimaces in pain after being thrown to the canvas by Chad Dawson © PA Photos

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Bernard Hopkins has been given a boost after his first defeat inside the distance was changed to a no decision by the California State Athletic Commission.

There was huge controversy when Chad Dawson was proclaimed a two-round knockout winner when the pair met at the Staples Center in Los Angeles two months ago. After a cagey opening round to their light-heavyweight clash, Hopkins missed with a right hand and was up-ended by Dawson and dumped onto the canvas.

Hopkins could not continue but, as referee Pat Russell said no foul had been committed the fight was awarded to Dawson via a TKO victory.

A seething Hopkins, who suffered a dislocated shoulder in the incident, appealed the ruling and the CSAC needed just over two hours on Tuesday to overturn the decision, meaning the 46-year-old keeps his WBC strap. "Justice was served today," Hopkins, whose record now stands at 52-5-2 with 32 knockouts and two no-decisions, said.

"I am thrilled that the California State Athletic Commission did the right thing and removed that loss from my record. Mistakes happen, but what you do to fix those mistakes is what counts. The footage of the fight that was reviewed over and over again, proved to be the key testimony. I think it came down to the tape.

"Both of our sides were making good points, but it was a dinner without a turkey. The tape was the turkey. I am happy this ordeal is over.

"Now I can focus on continuing to rehab my shoulder and get ready to fight again, hopefully early next year. I will start my usual boxing routine in a couple of weeks and get ready to defend my titles again."

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