Pascal: Froch and Diaconu Were Tougher Than Dawson

By Kamel Messani

By beating the previously unbeaten Chad Dawson in the month of August, Quebecer Jean Pascal (26-1, 16 KO) retained his WBC light heavyweight title. Pascal has transformed into a major force in the light heavyweight division. He is set to meet American legend Bernard Hopkins on December 18 in Quebec. BoxingScene.com/NetBoxe.com got the champion's thoughts on a few different topics in this interview exclusive interview.

How did you come to boxing?

I started boxing at the age of thirteen. I am a former hockey and football player. At the age of 17, my big brother Nicholson was the champion in Quebec. It was he who introduced me to the noble art.

How would you describe yourself? What style can we classify you?

I am a boxer and versatile. I can be physical, and I can be intelligent and technical. I have a good punch and good speed so I can deal with almost anything.

Do you think you still have room for improvement?

Certainly, my coaches and trainers say that I became world champion at 75% of my abilities. So I think I still have a lot of room for improvement.

What do you like to do outside of boxing?

I enjoy reading, biking and watching movies.

In retrospect how would you rate your fight against Dawson?

In hindsight I realize that I committed many errors. I am glad that Dawson didn't capitalize on that. I am very excited at the idea of a rematch, but I would try, if I were Dawson, to first start with Lucian Bute, since he [Dawson] said he would clean out the Canadians.

Dawson argued that if the referee had not stopped the fight. He would have stopped you before the final bell. What do you think about this statement?

Tell me, when was the last time Chad Dawson managed to get a knockout [2007] and when was the last time I went down to the mat? I've never been dropped as an amateur or a professional. So if you look at the facts - I think that should answer your question.

Was Dawson the hardest fight that you've had so far?

Carl Froch and Adrian Diaconu were much harder physically and mentally, but the fight with Dawson was the biggest challenge of my career, at least on paper, because Dawson is a big name.

What did you gain from this victory?

It brought me the recognition on the international boxing scene, and in Canada.

You just get out of a fierce fight, do you think that four months will be sufficient in terms of recovery to face a fighter with the caliber of Bernard Hopkins?

Sure, I'm used to boxing every three or four months so it changes nothing for me. Furthermore, I'm still in the prime of my career.

What do you think about fighting a great champion like Hopkins?

This is a dream that finally became reality. Hopkins is a legend. This is a boxer that I watched on TV and now I'm at the stage to fight against the same boxer. It is flattering, exciting and very stressful. I will have to be ready to successfully meet this enormous challenge.

Canada has dreamed of a clash of between you and Lucian Bute. Do you think that this fight could happen?

You already know my answer. The [answer] that remains is the one from Bute.

What about the other champions at heavyweight?

They are all very good fighters and they all deserve their titles. The light heavyweight division has for a long time been one of the best. Only for a short period was there a gap. Now with the presence of boxers like me, Chad Dawson, Tavoris Cloud - the division has consistency. And when more boxers join us, who are currently participating in the Super Six, it will be the premier division.

The WBA champion Beibut Shumenov said it would be very interested in confrontation, would you be interested?

Certainly, since I am interested to unify all of the titles in my division. I also think it would be a very good fight if we were to meet.

You were born in Haiti, and Andre Berto is also of Haitian origin. Do you ever think you could come together in a special doubleheader for Haiti?

Yes, of course, Berto and I had already talk about this. It would probably be difficult because of the state of the country [in Haiti], but we could perhaps arrange it in Montreal or Miami.

Who are your favorite boxers, past and present?

My favorite boxer is Roy Jones Jr. whether in victory or in defeat. Otherwise I like Shane Mosley and Floyd Mayweather.