PANAMA CITY, PANAMA (May 27, 2009) – Undefeated two-time light heavyweight champion CHAD DAWSON informed the International Boxing Federation (IBF) that he has vacated its title, effective immediately. Promoter Gary Shaw personally delivered the letter to the IBF at its annual convention which is being held in Panama City, Panama.
“The IBF rejected our request for an exception to making an immediate title defense against mandatory challenger Tavoris Cloud and inasmuch as no major television network was willing to buy the fight, the IBF left us little choice,” said Shaw. “I respect the IBF’s decision but the fight they were forcing us to do was commercially unviable. On behalf of Chad, we thank the IBF for the opportunity to fight for its title and to defend it. It’s an honor Chad will always cherish. Now it’s on to bigger and better. Chad looks forward to defending his International Boxing Organization title against the cream of the crop and unencumbered.”
Dawson (28-0, 17 KOs), from New Haven, Conn., serving his second term as light heavyweight champion, successfully defended the IBF and IBO titles on May 9 in a rematch against former world champion Antonio Tarver, whom he dethroned last October. Dawson won his first world title in 2007, dethroning undefeated defending WBC champion Tomasz Adamek. He successfully defended the WBC title three times, including a victory over former world champion Glen Johnson, before vacating that title to challenge Tarver.
The letter to the IBF is shown below:
Gary Shaw Productions, LLC
555 Preakness Avenue
Totowa, New Jersey 07512
(973) 904-0008 (Office)
(973) 904-1250 (Fax)
Ms. Marian W. Muhammad
May 27, 2009
President
International Boxing Federation
516 Main Street – Second Floor
East Orange, NJ 07018
VIA Fax Transmission: (973) 414-0307
RE: Chad Dawson
Dear Marian:
I am contacting you in my capacity as promoter for light heavyweight champion Chad Dawson.
On behalf of Chad and his team, I would like to express our sincere appreciation for allowing Chad to fight for and defend the IBF light heavyweight title. It is an honor he will always cherish.
However, inasmuch as the IBF has rejected our request for an exception from immediately defending the title against mandatory challenger Tavoris Cloud, a request made because no major television network had an interest in purchasing the rights to that fight, Chad must vacate the IBF light heavyweight title effective immediately.
Thank you for your prompt attention to my request. You can reach me at my office or on my cell at (201) 281-7800 or via email at boxing1111@aol.com if you need additional information.
Sincerely,
Gary Shaw