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“Don’t be a little punk this time,” Dawson said.

Hopkins didn’t budge at the New Haven native’s taunt. He kept looking straight ahead. Yet when it came time for Hopkins, whose pre-fight diatribes ordinarily are part Mr. T and part Dr. Phil, to step to podium, the Philly legend refused. Then he refused to stand next to Dawson in the traditional photo-op “faceoff,” to promote the WBC light-heavyweight title bout April 28 in Atlantic City, N.J. That, Dawson said Monday inside Planet Hollywood, was a first for his career.

“The IBF rejected our request for an exception to making an immediate title defense against mandatory challenger Tavoris Cloud and inasmuch as no major television network was willing to buy the fight, the IBF left us little choice,” Dawson’s promoter Gary Shaw said in a prepared statement released this morning.  “I respect the IBF’s decision, but the fight they were forcing us to do was commercially unviable.  On behalf of Chad, we thank the IBF for the opportunity to fight for its title and to defend it.  It’s an honor Chad will always cherish.  Now it’s on to bigger and better. Chad looks forward to defending his International Boxing Organization title against the cream of the crop and unencumbered.”

Dawson’s publicist Mercedes Ganon told The Times today that talks between Dawson (28-0, 17 KOs) and Glen Johnson for a rematch of their April 2008 fight (won by Dawson via unanimous decision) are “serious conversations,” and that Dawson’s camp expects a deal “to be signed soon, as soon as next week, possibly.”

Ganon also said the deal between light-heavyweights Roy Jones Jr. and Jeff Lacy is signed, with the date tentatively scheduled for Aug. 22, and the site (possibly Las Vegas) to be determined.

– Lance Pugmire

Photo: Chad Dawson poses following his IBF light heavyweight championship victory over Antonio Tarver on May 9. Credit: Isaac Brekken / Associated Press

Johnson, a Miami resident, had a second opportunity at Dawson, who won the first bout with a unanimous decision, although Johnson and many fans believed he was the winner.

Intent on proving the judges erred in the first fight, Johnson counted on the formula that has made him one of the top light-heavyweights in the world. But relentless pressure doomed Johnson in the rematch — just as it nearly finished him in Tampa.

This time, Johnson found a different fighter who was unwilling to stay within his punching range. Dawson instead used superior boxing skills, connected the sharper punches during most of the 12-round bout and won another unanimous decision at the XL Center in Hartford, Conn.

“I wanted to outbox him and use my legs,” Dawson said. “I had youth on my side.”

Johnson’s 40-year-old legs and reflexes proved futile in breaking Dawson. The taller and younger Dawson, 27, landed frequent combinations and maintained the pace with a lead right jab.

“In the last fight, [media reports] were saying I lost steam the second half,” Dawson said. “I didn’t let it happen this fight. I outboxed him. Used my jab. Used my speed.

“I outclassed him.”

Although Dawson’s performance seemed as if it warranted a wider margin on the scorecards, judgesDuane Ford and Michael Pernick had him winning 115-113. Judge Glen Feldman scored the fight 117-111.

“Dawson’s whole game plan was to run from the start,” Johnson said. “My whole fight plan was to put pressure and try to go to the body early and try to run him out of gas late in the fight.”

Johnson (49-13-2) was not as outspoken with the rematch’s verdicts as he was after the first fight.

“It’s not for me to decide. I thought I fought a good fight,” he said. “I can’t do anything about it.”

Dawson (29-0) looks forward to new opponents now. His past four fights consisted of two bouts each with Johnson and Antonio Tarver. The Connecticut native further solidified claims as the best fighter in the 175-pound class.

“This chapter in my book, Glen Johnson and Antonio Tarver, is closed,” Dawson said. “Now it’s time to move on and fight some new faces and reclaim my spot at the top.”

Don’t expect Johnson to fade fast from the light-heavyweight elite, despite Saturday’s loss. But his future hinges on securing additional marquee bouts.

“I have to wait and see if there are opportunities that make sense,” Johnson said.

For the first time, I’m calling on all boxing networks, every champion of all weight classes, contenders, and managers who make over six figures to match my $5,000 contribution for the families and victims of Haiti. Many of us in the boxing world have the luxury of buying sparkling jewelry, big homes, and fancy cars. I’m challenging all to join me who have a big heart to help with the relief efforts of the Haitian people. This is my way to appreciate what boxing has done for me and my family.

Please use ChipIn or make your donations/contributions to the emergency relief efforts to those recommended reputable organizations that is currently established in the country.