Hopkins-Dawson rematch ordered

Bernard Hopkins has been ordered by the World Boxing Council to fight Chad Dawson in a mandatory rematch after their first meeting was ruled no contest after a controversial finish. But Hopkins, who remains the WBC light-heavyweight champion and the oldest champion in boxing history, he turns 47 on January 15, and Dawson were given a clause that opens the door to possible interim fights. The WBC order, made at its annual convention, comes after Hopkins' first fight against Dawson last October was changed from a loss to a no contest after the referee did not call a foul on Dawson for slamming Hopkins to the canvas. Hopkins landed on his shoulder, suffering an injury that stopped the fight. Hopkins says he will be back to 100 percent by March and looks to defend his crown, which the WBC returned to him before the verdict change was made. Economics might dictate different opponents. Hopkins had looked at unbeaten super middleweight Lucian Bute, but the Canadian-Romanian wants to face unbeaten US star Andre Ward, who won the Super Six tournament last weekend. Hopkins is 52-5 with two drawn and 32 knockouts. Dawson is 30-1 with 17 knockouts.