Tonight was a different story, and had everything to do with Dawson remaining poised, even if at the risk of upsetting the paying patrons on hand.

“I did what I was said I was going to do,” Dawson insisted. “The first fight was a brawl. I didn’t want to make this fight this way. I wanted to outbox him and use my legs. I had youth on my side. It’s all about using all of the tools I have and applying in each fight.”

Four straight fights against Glen Johnson and Antonio Tarver have fans hoping Dawson is more willing to apply such skills against younger opposition. At the very least, there’s no more unfinished business staring Dawson in the face.

“This chapter is closed. The Glen Johnson and Antonio Tarver chapters are closed. Now I can fight new faces and reclaim my space at the top.”

Far more spirited performances than this will be required if he is to bring in the crowd. For now, a 27 year-young light heavyweight winning at the top level will have to be good enough.