By Simon Asare, GNA
Accra,
Aug. 23, GNA – World Boxing Organisation (WBO) Super Bantamweight Champion
Isaac “Royal Storm” Dogboe (19-0, 13 KO), would have his superfluous
boxing prowess tested when he mounts the ring to face former title challenger Hidenori
Otake (31-2-3, 14 knockouts) in his
first title defence on Saturday at the Gila River Arena, Glendale, Arizona, United
States of America (USA).
Dogboe’s
(19-0, 13 KO) comeback against Jesse Magdaleno in April, would remain in the
history of Ghana boxing after a dazzling
and scintillating performance, especially after coming off the canvas to knock
Magdeleno in the eleventh round.
Hidenori
would making his second attempt at the
World title after suffering unanimous decision defeat against Scott
Quigg in 2014 and would have to be at his best, if he is to wrestle the title
from Ghana’s undisputed champion.
Saturday’s
bout would certainly offer something memorable considering the style of both
boxers.
Quotes
Prior
to the fight, the camp of both boxers, traded verbal punches and jabs outside
the ring as they seek to win the psychological battle. Here are some few quotes
from both boxers;
The
champion says, “there’s going to be fireworks, like I’ve always
said,” Dogboe told Sky Sports.
“Hidenori
is a come forward fighter. I’m also a come forward fighter. I believe that I’ve
got more skills than Hidenori.
“We’re
going to take this fight back to basics and we’re looking forward to knocking
him out and then looking forward to the future and unifying the division.
“Putting
that fire back into the division.”
The
challenger on the other hand said “I’ve watched Dogboe’s last three fights and
noticed how he likes to always assert himself by coming forward. I’ll watch and
control the distance.” The one fighter who did just that was Satoshi Shimizu,
who defeated Dogboe in the Olympics. “It’s unnecessary for me to watch that
amateur fight as Shimizu is a south paw.”
“I
understand that this is my last chance at a title shot. I don’t feel any
pressure about this fact, but am instead motivated.” Part of that motivation
comes from Dogboe’s multitasking personality in which he’s talked about
unifying titles after he defeats Otake and also wanting to enrol in university,
potentially this fall. “I really hope he takes classes but I’ll prevent him
from attending anything too soon,” he told boxing scene.
Qualities
Dogboe’s
effective left hook and right power punch could do serious damage to the
37-year old Japanese who is the not the fattest of boxers, but has ferocious
right hand jabs. Dogboe’s technical
abilities in the ring has been superb so far, as he often manages his
endeavours in the ring with regards to energy and stamina.
Hidenori
who stand at 5′ 7½″, certainly got the height advantage over Dogboe who is 5’2.
Otake often closes down his opponent, as he look to effect his combinations and
more bouts under his belt, which could be an advantage in terms of experience.
The
orthodox boxer has an awkward style of fighting and has big left hand and has
the ability to throw double combination punches, which could prove crucial to
his chances of causing an upset.
Conclusion
Dogboe’s
outing on Saturday would certainly set the stage for unification across the
other three world titles which includes the WBA, WBC and the IBF and Ghanaians
from all and sundry would support his course of stepping into the shoes of one
of the country’s great and celebrated boxing icon, Professor Azumah Nelson.
GNA