LAS VEGAS (AFP) — International Boxing Federation light heavyweight champion Antonio Tarver says more than Chad Dawson's unbeaten record is in danger in their title clash on Saturday.
"Never in his career is he ready for a guy like me," said Tarver, the former champ who regained the IBF belt with a unanimous decision over Clifton Woods in April.
"I think his handlers, advisers are giving him a false sense of security. He won't be safe on the 11th," added Tarver, who brings a record of 27-4 with 19 knockouts to the bout.
Dawson, the former World Boxing Council champion, boasts a flawless record of 26-0 with 17 knockouts.
He made three successful defenses of the WBC belt that he originally won from Poland's Tomasz Adamek in February 2007, but vacated the title in July.
Tarver, 39, insists Dawson will be out of his league.
Tarver, the first fighter to knockout Roy Jones jnr, beat Jones twice. In his 11-year career he has avenged all but one of his defeats, and he didn't have a rematch with Bernard Hopkins.
His impressive resume also includes victories over Glen Johnson and Eric Harding.
Dawson, 26, emerged battered from his last fight, against Jamaica's Johnson. Johnson almost knocked out Dawson in the 11th round but Dawson held on for the decision.
"Not to degrade or talk down to anyone, but I don't think he represents those type of fighters," Tarver said of Dawson. "Eric Harding was an unbelievable southpaw with enormous skill. Glen Johnson has obviously proved to be an excellent fighter."
Tarver said Dawson had proved he had the ability "to be a decent fighter."
The 26-year-old Dawson is fast and talented, but Tarver said he believes the younger man is also "one who can get hurt, has a suspect chin."
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