Tom Ficklin Photo
A young woman in the audience had a question for New Haven’s champion boxer: What was your toughest fight ever?
“Bad Chad” Dawson didn’t hesitate to answer.
“I have had a few of them …” he replied. “The toughest was in Budapest Hungary. I was 19, against a Cuban … I left that fight with a concussion … It was a learning experience though.”
Over 100 friends, family members, and the curious hung on every word Friday night as they heard Dawson, the light heavyweight champion of the world, talk about his career.
Dawson (at left in above photo), 28, appeared at an event held at The Abdul Majid Karim Hasan Islamic Center, formerly the Muhammad Islamic Center, just over the town line on Dixwell Avenue.
Appearing with Dawson were Crystal Haynes of “Electric Drum” and WTNH (at right in photo) and Newark-based boxing promoter Murad Muhammad (center), who has worked with such fighters as Larry Holmes, Manny Pacquiao, Donovan “Razor” Ruddock, and Roy Jones Jr., and has traveled the world extensively with Muhammad Ali.
Dawson, who mentioned that his next fight will probably take place this spring in Canada, told the crowd that he grew up wanting to be a boxer. He was quick to add that not everyone can be an athlete but that dedication is the key to success. (Click on the play arrow to watch his speech.)
Crystal Dawson, Chad’s wife was in attendance, too. She told the group that several days before each fight she loses her appetite. She always sits ringside for each bout. It can be emotionally trying experience.
Bad Chad was asked what he would like to do after boxing. He mentioned that he is still young and looking forward to defending his championship. Down the road, he said, he would like to develop a local boxing facility.
Tom Ficklin Photo