By Pat Eaton-Robb, The Associated Press

HARTFORD, Conn. - Chad Dawson, fighting in his home state, won an unanimous decision over an older and slower Glen Johnson to remain undefeated and win the interim WBC light heavyweight title.

The 27-year-old Dawson, who vacated his IBF title to fight Johnson, outboxed his 40-year-old opponent, who was never able to get close enough to land the hard punches that made their first fight in April 2008 so close.

About 5,000 people showed up for the bout at the 16,500-seat XL Center, which is about 40 miles north of where Dawson grew up in New Haven.

Dawson (29-0, 17 KOs) now awaits the winner of the Dec. 11 bout between WBC champion Jean Pascal and Adrian Diaconu.