Dawson, Tarver weigh-in

IBO/IBF light heavyweight champion Chad Dawson, left, poses next to former champion Antonio Tarver during a weigh-in at the Hard Rock Friday, May 8, 2009. Dawson will attempt to retain the title he took from Tarver in October last year.

By Brett Okamoto (contact)

Friday, May 8, 2009 | 4:28 p.m.

As has been the case in the anticipation for their rematch Saturday night, Chad Dawson and Antonio Tarver said little during Friday's weigh-in at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

Dawson, who weighed in at the maximum weight of 175 pounds, looked especially focused, staring down Tarver nearly the entire time the two were on stage. In addition to defending his IBO/IBF Light Heavyweight title Saturday, the fight will also be Dawson's first HBO televised main event fight. Tarver appeared less serious, smiling and joking with his cornermen throughout.

Tarver, who fought at 178 pounds in the earlier part of his career before settling down into the 175-pound division, weighed in at a 172 pounds.

The low weight is something Dawson has said he hopes will give him an advantage.

"There's nothing he can do to stop me, he doesn't have the punching power that he used to back in the day," Dawson said. "He's killing himself to make weight, I know it. It's going to show Saturday, he won't be able to keep up with the pace I'm going to bring."

Current lines on the fight have Dawson a heavy favorite at minus-950. Tarver is plus-600.

Saturday will feature seven bouts on the undercard, including four undefeated fighters. Anna Donatella Hultin from Alvesta, Sweden is making her professional debut against Jasica Rojo (0-1, 0 KO) from Phoenix, Ariz. Two local fighters are also included on the undercard. Undefeated Said El Harrack (4-0, 1 KO) from Henderson will battle Hugo Correa (8-2, 4 KO) from Mexico City, Mexico in a six-round welterweight bout. Also, Omar Valencia (00-3, 0 KO) from Las Vegas is scheduled for a four-round featherweight bout with Jose Pacheco (1-5-5, 0 KO) from Cudahy, Calif.