• Bernard Hopkins v Chad Dawson

Hopkins beaten amid storm of controversy

ESPN staff
October 16, 2011
Bernard Hopkins was injured after being dumped on the canvas by Chad Dawson © PA Photos
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Bernard Hopkins lost his WBC light-heavyweight title in controversial circumstances as Chad Dawson claimed a second round technical knockout in Los Angeles.

After an edgy opening round, Hopkins was dumped onto the canvas by Dawson after a coming together of the pair. Hopkins fell awkwardly, and claimed he was unable to continue after hurting his left shoulder, but with the bout expected to be declared a no contest, referee Pat Russell awarded the victory to Dawson.

Hopkins, who became the oldest boxer to win a world championship when he beat Jean Pascal in May, was furious at the referee, which many felt should have been victory to the veteran via disqualification for the foul.

"I was backing up and he picked me up, both legs, and he threw me down with his shoulder and that's when it got hurt," Hopkins said. "It should have been a no contest because he threw me down. He picked me up. This isn't Mixed Martial Arts!"

However, Dawson was unrepentant and criticised his opponent for refusing to continue.

"I gave him a shove. This is boxing," he said. "He has disappointed a lot of fans tonight, Bernard cut my night short. He was faking. Come on. He says he's a 'gangster'. He isn't a gangster. He should have got up and fought."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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