Chad Dawson-Adrian Diaconu Bout Official

Former light heavyweight titleholder Chad Dawson and Adrian Diaconu have agreed on terms and will meet on May 21, according to Dawson’s promoter Gary Shaw.

The scheduled 12-round bout will act as the opening fight on the HBO card headlined by the rematch of current WBC light heavyweight champion Jean Pascal against former champ Bernard Hopkins.

“This is no walkover fight for Chad,” Shaw said. “Diaconu is a tough fighter, a good fighter.

However, Shaw believes Dawson’s new approach will be the key to winning the fight.

“Chad is with a new trainer now in Emanuel Steward and I think that will make a big difference in Chad’s fight game and his strategy,” Shaw said. “I think you’ll see a whole new Chad; a guy that can finish off his opponent.”

Although both camps have agreed on terms, Shaw mentioned he still awaits the signed contract from Diaconu’s promoter Yvon Michel.

Most recently, Dawson (29-1, 17 KOs) lost an 11^th-round technical decision to Pascal, in a title match last August, but had a rematch clause. However, under the terms of the rematch clause, Pascal had the opportunity to take an interim bout. On Dec. 18, Pascal fought Hopkins in that interim bout to a controversial draw.

With the WBC ordering an immediate rematch and HBO’s preference in a rematch between Pascal and Hopkins, Dawson was forced to step aside. Nevertheless, Dawson was awarded contractual assurance that if successful against Diaconu, he will get a mandatory shot at the main event winner in his next fight.

On the other hand, if the Romanian-native Diaconu (27-2, 15 KOs) is victorious against Dawson, the main event winner is not obligated to fight him.

The May 21 card is expected to take place in either Quebec City, site of Pascal-Hopkins I, or Montreal, site of Pascal-Dawson. However, Hopkins and Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer mentioned Los Angeles as a potential site as well.

—Alex Neely