WBO Super bantamweight champion, Isaac Dogboe, will make his first mandatory title defence in August this year four months after capturing it in the United States.
Dogboe knocked out the then-defending champion, Jesse Magdelano, in the 11th round of their clash in April to get the title and according to the rules, he has to defend it against an opponent.
Co-manager of Isaac Dogboe is Ellis Quarshigah and he tells Citi Sports that even though an opponent has been determined, his identity cannot be revealed for specific reasons.
“For now, there is confirmation of a title defence on August 25 but we are not in the position to state the opponent because we have not signed yet signed the contract yet.
Things will have to remain confidential until all the paperwork is sorted.”
Quarshigah went on to give some clarity on whether or not Dogboe and Jesse Madgelano would enter the ring for a rematch. His response was to certain media reports stating that Dogboe had opened the door to a rematch with the American.
“Well, the latest on the table is that we had a call from the Magdelano camp about a rematch.
We are ready and Isaac is willing to fight but we had another call from Top Rank (who have signed Isaac and are also Magdelano’s promoters) that they would not sanction the bout.
They say they are worried Magdelano might get hurt in that bout and thus, they would rather sanction a bout if the two boxers moved up to featherweight.
We believe that Isaac will defend his title, unify the division and then, move up in weight. When that happens, the likelihood of a rematch is possible but for now, Top Rank is not ready to sanction the bout.”
Dogboe is currently in the United Kingdom getting ready for his title defence and he is expected to train there and then, move to Australia and the United Sates to complete his training.
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By: Nathan Quao/citifmonline.com/Ghana