Bernard Hopkins vs Chad Dawson

The Staples Center in Los Angeles hosted the highly anticipated light heavyweight championship bout between Bernard Hopkins and Chad Dawson on October 15, 2011. The fight, which was Hopkins' first defence of his WBC and The Ring titles, ended in controversy after just two rounds.

The first round was uneventful, with both fighters cautiously feeling each other out. However, the second round saw a sequence leading to the bout's premature and contentious conclusion. At approximately 2:40 into the round, Hopkins missed with a right hand and leaned on Dawson's back. Dawson lifted Hopkins and threw him to the canvas, causing Hopkins to land awkwardly on his left shoulder and head.

Hopkins immediately claimed a left shoulder injury, rolling on the canvas in pain. Referee Pat Russell stopped the clock and called for medical attention. When asked if he could continue, Hopkins indicated he could, but only with one arm. Russell ended the fight, initially ruling it a TKO victory for Dawson.

This decision sparked immediate controversy. HBO commentators Max Kellerman and Emanuel Steward disagreed with the ruling, with Steward suggesting it should be a no-contest. HBO's unofficial scorer, Harold Lederman, stated that California rules called for a no-decision in such circumstances within the first four rounds.

The aftermath saw a flurry of appeals and decisions. Hopkins' team filed an appeal with the California State Athletic Commission, presenting medical evidence of a separated left acromioclavicular joint. On October 20, the WBC Board of Governors unanimously declared the bout a technical draw, allowing Hopkins to retain his title.

Finally, on December 13, 2011, the California State Athletic Commission overturned the original decision, changing the result to a no-contest. This ruling officially allowed Hopkins to retain his championships.

The incident sparked debate about the nature of boxing and its rules. Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer and others argued that Dawson's action was not within the spirit of boxing and shouldn't be rewarded with a title.

This controversial ending led to a WBC-ordered rematch scheduled for April 28, 2012, in Atlantic City, New Jersey, ensuring that Hopkins and Dawson's rivalry would continue.

The fight, in which Hopkins earned $1 million to Dawson's $800,000, highlighted the complexities of boxing rules and the potential for controversy in high-stakes championship bouts.