Dawson receives call-up to challenge Dzinziruk for WBO Crown
It's been a long time coming, but on May 15th (Australian time), Daniel "The Rock" Dawson (34-1, 24 KOs) will receive the opportunity he so desperately craves when he challenges unbeaten WBO light-middleweight champion, Ukrainian Sergiy Dzinziruk (36-0, 22 KOs) at the Chumash Casino in California, USA.
Fighting in the neutral territory of the United States, Dzinziruk will go into this fight as a clear favourite, having defended his title five times; beating respected contenders such as Joel Julio, Sebastian Lujan while also dethroning then-champion Daniel Santos who had reigned as champion for over three-years. This is an intriguing fight between two high-quality fighters. Between Dawson and Dzinziruk, their combined record reads as an impressive 70-1, 46 KOs. However, as of only a few days ago this fight wouldn't have been taking place.
Dzinziruk, who is making his first appearance in the US, was originally scheduled to defend his WBO light-middleweight title against unbeaten Uzbek Sherzod Husanov. However, in the weeks leading up to the fight Husanov has had trouble securing a visa, leaving promoter Gary Shaw and Art Pelullo in a very vulnerable position; in stepped Daniel Dawson.
Dawson, who has been based in California for the last twelve months with Justin Fortune at the Fortune Gym, received a call last week asking if he was interested in taking Husanov's position if his visa couldn't be secured for the Uzbek. Put simply, it was a chance that Dawson couldn't refuse and has now put him in a prime position to challenge for a world title.
Speaking exclusively to FIGHT GAME, Dawson tells us he is fit, in-shape and confident of pulling off the upset.
"As far as the preparation I have been here training my guts out for twelve months, sparring current and former world champions and training alongside some of the best in the game." Dawson said. "I feel like I have grown as a fighter and as a person. The reason I moved here was for the chance to get opportunities like this, I am in great condition and Im ready to rumble."
In Dzinziruk, Dawson is facing a fighter that has campaigned professionally for more than ten-years along with an extensive amateur career that boasts podium finishes in both the European and World Championships while also representing Ukraine at the 1996 Olympic Games.
Despite being classed as a heavy underdog to Dzinziruk, Dawson feels that he has mentally and physically prepared himself for the biggest fight of his life.
"I am feeling fast, strong and very menacing. Im looking forward to producing more than just an upset and making my mark on the world stage here" Dawson said. "Then I will set myself up for the next years of boxing to come."
The fight marks a significant change in the camp of Daniel Dawson. In last twelve months, Dawson's team has had a major shake-up since his relocation to the US. Dawson's team now consists of trainer Justin Fortune, who has been training Dawson since the beginning of last year; Mike Altamura, the respected manager and advisor who has joined camp in recent weeks along with New Zealand's George Christodolou from Next Generation Events, who has also come on board as an advisor to Dawson.
Between Dawson and Dzinziruk there are many variables; both have been inactive for the longest amount of time in their careers (Dawson 15-months, Dzinziruk 18-months) and both are fighting in the US, the so called Mecca of boxing for the very first time. Dawson however feels that his inactivity is positive and will serve him better come fight-time.
"As far as being inactive with fights in the last year, I have been so busy training and sparring that I feel like the break has done me more good than harm I am super, super hungry and ready for this fight." Dawson explained. "After nearly ninety professional fights (kickboxing and boxing) under my belt I know what to do when I step into my square office and I am feeling great and in my prime."
The stakes are high but you can't help but get the feeling that the Aussie underdog Dawson just might surprise not only Dzinziruk but alot of the doubters; after all it wouldn't be the first time Dawson has done. Either way, it is something that he looks forward to doing.
"I look forward to waving the Aussie flag high for us." Dawson said. "I can't wait and the challenge of beating someone like Dzinziruk is one I look forward to"