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FEATURE: Is Dogboe ready for the world championship now?

FEATURE: Is Dogboe ready for the world championship now?

I STAYED up late to watch Isaac Dogboe win a close contest against Christopher Diaz and one thing caught my attention throughout the 10-round bout.

The majority decision victory represents one of Dogboe’s biggest comeback statements against the reliable Diaz.

Judging from the fight, it was obvious the Ghanaian would have suffered another defeat if he had relied on only power against Diaz.

Dogboe was skilful and combining it with his ferocious powers troubled the Puerto Rican throughout the entertaining bout.

The win makes it three consecutive wins since losing twice to Emanuel Navarrete in 2018 and 2019. I am impressed with the steadily comeback for Dogboe which is getting him closer to a world title shot.

After comeback wins over Chris Avalos, Adam Lopez and now Christopher Diaz, the 26-year-old’s confidence is gradually returning since moving up in weight to featherweight.

He really needs that to turn around his career. He has improved his craft since moving to trainers Barry Hunter and Patrice Harris in his last three fights.

But is he ready for another world championship fight? That is yet to be tested but with the changes in him, I am hopeful he has what it takes to become a two-time world champion.



Possible opponents

Dogboe has the best of opportunity to challenge for the WBO featherweight title next but there is a problem.

Navarrete holds the title and the Ghanaian must challenge him to win that; a move that could be a stumbling block to Dogboe.

The Mexican is the only fighter to have defeated Dogboe in his professional career and a possible showdown for the third time could happen if the Ghanaian decides to go for the belt.

Dogboe had stated previously that he would have a bright chance of avenging his two painful defeats to Navarrete at a favourable weight class such as featherweight but I doubt.

I believe Dogboe will struggle to beat the Mexican hard-hitting puncher who possesses height and reach advantage.

There are other champions in the featherweight division that he can look forward to facing such as Leo Santa Cruz (WBA Super), Leigh Wood (WBA Regular), or Gary Russel Jr (WBC) with the IBF title vacant.

All these champions are tough but I think it makes sense to face them than a fighter Dogboe had lost twice to in the past.
I don’t see the need for the fight and I believe Dogboe must continue working hard to enjoy his new beginning.




What next for Dogboe?

Inasmuch as I feel he is ready for the world championship, Dogboe must not rush into it because it might be a dangerous situation.

Where he is now, he doesn’t need any more defeat to tarnish the kind of reputation he is building after a long wait.

He might choose to defend his NABF featherweight title once again to continue building him up for the world championship when he feels it is right to do so.

Until the right time, I am confident that by the time he decides to go in for the championship, he will put up a spectacular performance to win Ghana another title.

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