TAMPA, Florida (CMC):

JAMAICA'S FORMER world boxing champion Glen John-son sent a stern knockout message to world light heavyweight king, Chad Dawson, on Thursday after the American failed to show for a press conference for the title fight in April.

Due to illness, Dawson could not attend the press conference to promote their WBC 175-pound clash for Dawson's World Boxing Council (WBC) belt.

"Please tell Dawson to hurry and get better because I want his best on April 12. I will knock out Dawson and wait to see who wins the Tarver-Woods battle so I can take them next," Johnson said.

Tarver, the former undisputed light heavyweight champion, will tackle Inter-national Boxing Federation title-holder Clinton Woods in the main event on the same card at the St Pete Times Forum.

Dawson is an undefeated 25-year-old southpaw (left-hander), boasting a record of 25-0 with 17 knockouts but the veteran Johnson is confident he will snap the American's unbeaten run.