Veteran promoter advises Isaac Dogboe must relocate to Ghana for better sparring
AN Executive Member of the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA), Alhaji Muritella Tofik, has said former World Champion, Isaac Dogboe, must relocate to Ghana to engage in good sparring to enable him to win the world title again.
He also cautioned him against over-training which resulted in his two successive losses to Mexico’s Emanuel Navarrete, adding that he must allow flexibility in his training.
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“He must now focus on good sparring and relocate to Ghana and face off with some of the nation’s best. This will enable him to have confidence when he fights for the world title,” Alhaji Tofik told the Graphic Sports in an exclusive telephone interview in Accra last Thursday.
He also admonished Dogboe to focus more on his current fight strategy in the ring, which was less aggressive and more tactical.
“As you can see, his fighting style has changed; he doesn’t attack rampantly as he used to do. He is now more tactical and studies his opponent more; this prevents exhaustion and builds his confidence,” he noted.
Dogboe, 27, secured his fourth successive victory after his 2018/2019 double loss to Navarrete at the Grand Casino Hinckley, Minnesota, in the United States over a week ago.
The WBC featherweight title eliminator also had a WBO International belt on the line, putting Dogboe in good stead to challenge for a world title in his next fight as he pursues his dream of becoming a two-time world champion.
Going into the 10th and last round of the fight, trainer Barry Hunter urged Dogboe on in his corner, knowing a close fight like that needed a determined final effort. Dogboe delivered it.
"Dogboe doubled his right hook and caught Gonzalez with the right again as he came in. The two went toe-to-toe with Dogboe digging his left to the body as Gonzalez poured out punches of his own.
Alhaji Tofik praised Dogboe for not giving up on the sport after his two successive defeats and encouraged him to go for the world title.
The Ghanaian countered him where he could and they traded furious right hands as time ticked down in the fight. He unleashed a flurry of hooks to finish confidently before waiting for the decision.
It was a close, exciting fight that was hugely significant for Dogboe’s career. After that high-level contest, the next natural step will be a world title fight.
"I want to say thanks to Joet Gonzalez. He's a true warrior," Dogboe said after the fight.
"Whoever the champions are, they should watch out. The 'Royal Storm,' I am back, baby!" he added.