Johnson sends KO message to Dawson

TAMPA, Florida, CMC

Jamaica's former world boxing champion Glen Johnson sent a stern knockout message to world light heavyweight king Chad Dawson Thursday after the American failed to show for a press conference for their title fight in April.

Due to illness, Dawson could not attend the press conference to promote their WBC 175-pound clash for Dawson's World Boxing Council (WBC) belt.

"Please tell Dawson to hurry and get better because I want his best on April 12. I will knock out Dawson and wait to see who wins the Tarver-Woods battle so I can take them next," Johnson said.

Tarver, the former undisputed light heavyweight champion, will tackle International Boxing Federation (IBF) title-holder Clinton Woods in the main event on the same card at the St Pete Times Forum.

confident

Dawson is an undefeated 25-year-old southpaw (left-hander), boasting a record of 25-0 with 17 knockouts but the veteran Johnson is confident he will snap the American's unbeaten run.

"I will destroy Chad Dawson. He has no clue what's coming to him. I'm going to tear him apart," Johnson said.

At 39 years old, Johnson is trying to recapture a world title and although age is not on his side, he continues to display great body conditioning and efficiency in the ring.

The Florida-based native of Clarendon, Jamaica, claimed the IBF light heavyweight title four years ago after defeating Woods in February 2004.

He successfully defended the belt with superb wins against highly regarded Americans Tarver and Roy Jones over the next 10 months that year and secured the prestigious honour of being named the 2004 'World Fighter of the Year'.

After a disappointing loss to Tarver in a rematch in June 2005, Johnson posted wins against George Jones and Jamaican Richard Hall and then faced Woods for the third time, only to lose a split decision in September 2006.