By: Brad Marchetti
One of boxing’s true superstars will be on display Saturday night when WBC light heavyweight champion Chad Dawson defends his strap against late replacement Epifanio Mendoza. Dawson, 25, was scheduled to face top contender Adrian Diaconu before he pulled out with a hand injury last week.> With his long 76″ reach Dawson, is a slick boxer\puncher southpaw with very fast hands and feet that can win fights easily from the outside. Along with his elite boxing ability Bad Chad is trained by great boxing instructor Floyd Mayweather Sr. Mayweather has sharpened Dawson and taught the young fighter some moves to complement his physical assets of being 6’3″ tall and having explosive power in both fists.

Dawson started competing in boxing at the age of 11 and racked up plenty of amateur titles in over 70 bouts before turning pro in 2001.> Dawson’s challenger Epifanio Mendoza is a dangerous puncher from Columbia that swings for the fences. Mendoza, 28-4-1, 24 KO’s, took the fight on just days notice but he is a tall 6’1″ awkward fighter that is very tough and aggressive. Mendoza has a freakish 79″ reach and he has been a middleweight for most of his career before entering the light-heavyweight ranks a year ago. Dawson has been listed as a 9-1 boxing betting favorite by offshore sportsbooks but Mendoza, 31, should not be taken lightly because he is hungry and unpredictable.

Mendoza usually comes right after his opponents at full steam throwing punches at a high output in effort to knock them out but he has a tendency to lose stamina after 6 rounds. Dawson has tasted the canvas and can be hurt but against Mendoza he should be able to withstand the early rush and find Mendoza very open for counterpunches. Look for Dawson to stop the rugged Columbian in about 8 rounds.