Ghana’s aspiring world champion, Isaac Dogboe boosted his boxing career with an amazing performance resulting in a fifth round knockout victory Mexico’s dreaded Ceasar Juarez in the fight dubbed ‘Battle of The Gold Coast’ on Saturday night to claim the WBO Interim Super Bantamweight title.
The international contest drew a large crowd to the 4,000 capacity pugilist’s edifice, which was filled to the brim, and the fans were not disappointed by “The Royal Storm” who was backed by the whole house comprising various supporters groups, including chiefs, pastors and church members.
From the sound of the bell to round five, Dogboe was very busy dishing punches to the feared Mexican.
When Juarez met a direct punch from Dogboe which sent him down in round two, many experts knew the bout would not last the 12 rounds.
The Mexican who entered the ring in his Mexican hat did his best in round three coming back strongly, but Dogbo had the strategy to win and never looked back, until the fifth round knockout punch which dazed Juarez and he quivered for Referee Tony Weeks to stop the fight.
A stinging left hook to the jaw of Juarez was enough to send him to the canvas a second time to end the bout.
Manuel Lopez, coach of Juarez could not understand why the referee stopped the fight, but the experienced Tony Weeks who knows the rules saved his ward from further punishment.
Dogboe now has 18 fights, winning all with 12 knock outs, while Juarez has dropped six loses in 26 fights, winning 20. He has represented Mexico at the Olympic Games and formerly held the WBO Bantamweight title.
In the exciting undercards, Ghana’s Abraham Tabul drew with American Patrick Ferguson in their quest for the vacant WBO African Cruiserweight title.
Prince Oko Nartey showed his talent as he scored a second round victory TKO over Odartey Lamptey.
In another thrilling Super Middleweight contest, Delali Melidzi won his fourth fight on points over Eliasu Sulley who lost his first in eight fights.
Anama Doste of Ghana was too good for Nigerian Martins Joseph in their international Lightweight contest. The corner of Martins threw the towel to save him from the wild attacks of punches, hooks and jabs.
In attendance was the Minister of Youth and Sports Hon. Isaac Asiamah who urged Ghanaians to jubilate as there are more champions to emerge from boxing.
Before the main bout the MC/Ring Announcer Mohammed Amin Lamptey read a goodwill message from former President J.J. Rawlings, a staunch fan of Dogboe and boxing.
Others who graced the event were the Vice President of the WBO John Dugan from the USA, Judges Deon Duarte from South Africa, Fernando Lugana from Spain and Matteo Montella from Italy.
Also present were three former world champions, Prof. Azumah Nelson, Ike Bazooka Quartey and Joshua Clottey.
Peter Zwennes, President of the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) said he was impressed by the performance of Dogbe, and he is certainly of the road to glory.
Isaac Dogboe thanked a lot of people and sponsors who contributed towards the successful promotion by the Rising Star Africa Promotions. He now has the chance to a mandatory title fight with Mexican-American Jesse Magdaleno, who put off his initially planned fight with Juarez due to a wrist injury.