Chad Dawson became the undisputed light-heavyweight world champion on Saturday with a comprehensive victory over IBF title-holder Antonio Tarver at the Palms Casino in Las Vegas.
Dawson, the WBC champion before vacating the title for this fight, won a unanimous decision to take the belt Tarver won against Clinton Woods earlier this year.
One judge had the fight scored 118-109. The other two cards were 117-110 in favour of Dawson (27-0, 17 KOs), who also scored a knockdown against his fellow American in the 12th round.
"I fought a great fight," said Dawson.
"I played with him and I outworked him round by round. That was our philosophy."
Never shy about speaking his mind, Tarver (27-5) captured a piece of the light-heavyweight crown for the third time on April 12, winning a unanimous decision over Englishman Woods.
But the 39-year-old could not match the hand speed of Dawson, who landed numerous combinations and sharp uppercuts.
"He was a busier fighter than I was," said Tarver . "I tip my hat to him. I'd like to fight him again. I have no apologies, no regrets."
Finishing strong, Dawson knocked Tarver down with a left uppercut less than one minute into the 12th round and cruised to the finish.
Dawson had won the WBC light-heavyweight crown in February 2007 but relinquished the title after three successful defences in order to fight Tarver.
"I'm bringing the titles back to New Haven," said Dawson. "Tarver fought a great fight, but like he said, I also caught a lot of his punches on my gloves."