The Californian Athletic State Commission have ruled that Bernard Hopkins’ controversial TKO loss to Chad Dawson on October 15 in L.A will be changed to a no-decision.

Hopkins injured his shoulder when Dawson lifted and threw him to the canvas in the second round of their WBC light-heavyweight title fight at the Staples Center rendering him unable to continue. Referee Pat Russell went on to award the fight to Dawson but shortly afterwards the WBC announced that despite the loss Hopkins would retain his title, and now the C.S.A.C have officially erased the loss from his record.

The fact that the fight ended on a foul meant that, as four rounds had not been completed meaning it couldn’t go to the scorecards, should have been ruled a no-contest in the first place. Hopkins, who was understandably upset about the call, was delighted at the commission’s ruling.

“Justice was served today,” the 46-year-old Philadelphian veteran said. “I am thrilled that the California State Athletic Commission did the right thing and removed that loss from my record. Mistakes happen, but what you do to fix those mistakes is what counts.”

Hopkins said the film footage of the fight, which was reviewed over and over by the commission, proved to be the key testimony in the panel’s decision.

“I think it came down to the tape,” he said. “Both of our sides were making good points, but it was a dinner without a turkey. The tape was the turkey.

“I am happy this ordeal is over. Now I can focus on continuing to rehab my shoulder and get ready to fight again, hopefully early next year. I will start my usual boxing routine in a couple of weeks and get ready to defend my titles again.”

Related posts:

1. Hopkins: “This is not the end”
2. Dawson controversial new champ as Hopkins cries foul