13.11.03 – Daniel “The Rock” Dawson could soon be known as one of Australia’s ultimate fighting machines. Dawson turned his back on kickboxing to pursue his dream to become a world boxing champion, already the Australian Junior Middleweight Champion Dawson is amongst the most active pay for punch fighters in the country and is about to get even busier.
The former two time world kickboxing champion is making a brief return to the kickboxing ranks in a bid to capture the K1 Championship to be held in Japan in May 2004. But first the Craig Christian trained Dawson must overcome the current Japanese Champion, Kojiro, on the 18th November, as a win will grab Dawson the mouth watering chance at $100,000 U.S. in the K1 Championship.
Don’t panic boxing fans, Dawson will continue his hectic boxing schedule on the Danny Green undercard when he puts his Australian Title on the line against Sydney’s Josh Clemshaw at Challenge Stadium on December 7th in his hometown of Perth.
Dawson boasts an 11 fight, 11 wins, 8 ko record, dreams of lucrative super fights in the states with a confidence that is hard to shake. Talk to Dawson, know the young man, understand his all or nothing belief and you cant help but see his special qualities that could take this Kalgoorlie Kid to the top. Watch him train and see the level of commitment Dawson exudes and you’re left thinking this is the real deal. I asked Daniel what he expects to achieve in boxing and behind a cheeky grin Dawson lights up, “My dream would be to fight Fernando Vargas in America, what a buzz.” Yep that’s “The Rock”, he’s already pinpointed his ultimate target at this stage in his career.
Dawson has a lot of admirers in the boxing fraternity including the legendary Jeff Fenech as well as the support of one bloke who knows what it will take for Dawson to achieve his lofty expectations, Adam “Lights Out” Watt.
Watt cast himself almost legend type status in the kick boxing ranks, a four time World Champion who converted across to boxing late in his career and still managed to capture the Commonwealth title.
Watt takes up the story, “Young Daniel is the ultimate fighter, the complete package. This kid defended his kickboxing World Title six times, he’s come to the boxing scene with devastating results.”
Watt’s thoughts on Dawson doubling up his commitments with boxing and kickboxing, “Mate there’s $100,000 U.S. reasons to go for it, he (Dawson) was already amongst the worlds best pound for pound at kickboxing now he goes back with brutal power and great technique that boxing has taught him. I honestly think Dawson could turn this opportunity into a chance to crack the U.S. market.”
Dawson has said from day one, under W.A. trainer Craig Christian, that he wants to dominate the Junior Middleweight Division which most would say was a little far fetched at the time for a boxing novice. But Watt see’s comments like these as the main reason “The Rock” can achieve his goals.
Watt said, “Lets be honest not many would dare make such a comment but Daniel’s confidence inside and outside the ring is what you have to have, once the bell goes you are on your own and you can get found out.”
Watt continued, “Look, Daniel may show boat in the ring but anyone that knows Dawson realizes this is his playground, he’s having fun everytime he jumps into the ring. At the end of the day the HBO’s and Showtimes of the world will love his charisma and style and Dawson has a real chance on the World Stage.”