LAS VEGAS, Nevada, Oct 11, 2008 (AFP) - Chad Dawson remained unbeaten and captured the International Boxing Federation light heavyweight title Saturday with a unanimous 12-round decision over Antonio Tarver.

Dawson improved to 27-0 with 17 wins inside the distance, the younger challenger displaying more speed and power than the 39-year-old champion, who fell to 27-5 with 19 wins inside the distance.

Dawson, who knocked down Tarver in the 12th round, claimed his second world title, having given up his World Boxing Council light heavyweight belt in July after three successful defences.

Two of the ringside judges scored the bout 117-110 while a third saw it 118-109 for Dawson.