Bernard Hopkins (L) complains of a shoulder injury as Chad Dawson wins by total knockout (TKO) in the second round during their WBC light heavyweight title bout in Los Angeles, California
Bernard Hopkins (L) complains of a shoulder injury as Chad Dawson wins by total knockout (TKO) in the second round during their WBC light heavyweight title bout in Los Angeles, California October 15, 2011. Reuters

The World Boxing Council restored Bernard Hopkins as its light heavyweight champion on Thursday after reviewing his controversial loss to Chad Dawson at the weekend.

The 46-year-old had lost his title after Dawson lifted him off his feet and slammed him to the canvas on Saturday at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

Hopkins sustained a shoulder injury and the referee signaled the end of the fight with 12 seconds left in the second round.

However, after reviewing the fight video the WBC concluded the result should be changed to a technical draw, allowing champion Hopkins to retain the title.

After the fight, Hopkins filed a formal complaint to the California State Athletic Commission which will meet to determine whether the fight will count as a loss on his record.

In May, Hopkins became the oldest fighter to win a boxing world championship when he defeated Jean Pascal, eclipsing the record held by 45-year-old George Foreman.

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