Boxingtalk salutes former world light heavyweight champion Chad Dawson on his retirement. Dawson issued the following statement on social media: "21 years ago today, I made my pro debut. After a long, successful, tough career, I feel it’s time for me to let go of the sport. I gave my all. I accomplished the highest level in boxing and became a world champion. I did everything I wanted to do in boxing and I’m looking forward to life after boxing. Thanks to God, my family, my fans and everyone who supported me throughout my career. I greatly appreciate you all. Passing the torch to my sons and only pray they’ll be even better than me."

Dawson exits the game with a record of 36-5. He defeated Erik Harding in 2006, then became WBC champion with a win over Tomasz Adamek in 2007. He lost the WBC title outside the ring, but proved himself a real champion with a great four-fight run of wins over Glen Johnson and Antonio Tarver (twice each) during 2008-2009 that brought him the IBF title. After a loss to Jean Pascal, Dawson defeated Bernard Hopkins in 2012 to become WBC champion once again. He lost the title in a unification bout to Andre Ward.