Interview: WBO 122lb champ Isaac Dogboe

By David Finger

For the last several years boxing insiders (including this writer) had been warning of a storm coming in from the West Coast of Africa. It was destroying everything in its path and there was no question that it was headed straight to Las Vegas…the capital of boxing the world over. Some ignored the forecast. Others wondered if the storm would really be that destructive, with some assuming it was just another false alarm.

But last April 28th the Royal Storm of Africa Isaac Dogboe (19-0, 13 KOs) made landfall on the East Coast, sweeping away undefeated WBO junior featherweight champion Jessie Magdaleno before leaving town with the belt.\After that there was no question whatsoever that this storm, this Royal Storm, was not going to be denied. But there is still one last obstacle, one final destination, before the storm can lay siege on Las Vegas. Standing between this storm and Sin City is a tough, gritty brawler from the Land of the Rising Sun. 37-year old Hidenori Otake (31-2-3, 14 KOs) of Japan may not jump out as a serious threat at first glance, but those same boxing insiders have given Otake the props he deserves. He may not be the favorite in this fight, but he is the very definition of “live underdog” and has the toughness to give as good as he gets. He might just be able to withstand the storm…and in turn keep it from heading north to Las Vegas later this year.

Isaac Dogboe took time to speak with Fightnews about his August 25th title defense against Hidenori Otake at the Gila River Arena in Glendale, Arizona.

Isaac, how are thing going? What’s new since we last saw you in April in your title winning effort against Jessie Magdaleno?

You know, everything is going great! I’m so grateful for all of the fans out there, in all of America. Everything has been great, I’m so blessed!

What is the biggest difference in your life since winning the title?

I feel great and I feel blessed. It was a long road, and now finally to be able to accomplish this, right now we are just looking forward to the future and to showcase me on ESPN. I am so thankful for top rank and Bob Arum. I’m so blessed and grateful.

What do you know about your opponent? They say he is a tough fighter who never takes a backward step.

Well, you know that’s exactly what we want! What we want to do is shake up the division and make this division great again. Mike Tyson said back in his days they were killers but nowadays they are businessmen. We are not looking to go down that road. I know he is physically strong, he’s got a great record and he’s a come forward fighter and I’m also a come forward fighter. August 25th is going to be a great night because we are both coming forward and one of us will be taking a step back…and it will be Otake who does that.

Since winning the title you promised to “shake up the division”. What should we expect as part of this “shake up”?

We are looking to unify the division, and right now Otake is the one guy standing in the way. We have to take him out and then look forward to Roman, Vargas…these guys. I’m looking forward to taking on any of them any day. They just need to sign the contract and step up to the plate. It’s all about the best fighting the best. That’s what causes boxing to be great. When you think about Marvin Hagler, Sugar Ray Leonard, Roberto Duran: these people…they lit up boxing. All these great names, we want to go down as one of the great fighters to come out of boxing.

American boxing fans are most familiar with Azumah Nelson when it comes from champions from Ghana. I also realize you and Azumah Nelson are very close. What did he say to you after you won the title?

Azumah Nelson is always like a father figure to me. He always has great things to say to me. He tells me to keep my focus and work hard. I’m very appreciative for his kind words.

You have said from early on that you want to be Ghana’s first PPV star. What is your time table for becoming a PPV star?

Well, you know everything is in God’s hand. Right now we have to put in the work. It also depends on the other champions. Right now I am sure Top Rank and Bob Arum can’t wait to headline me on one of their big shows. I’m ready. I’m ready to step up to the plate…to step into greatness. I’m ready to take that leap.

Any predictions for August 25th?

It’s going to be a knockout victory for Isaac Dogboe. Win #20. Knockout #14.

Back in Accra when you fought Javier Chacon in 2017 the fight was billed “The Road to Las Vegas.” Do you think Las Vegas will be hosting your next fight?

Well, I’m looking forward to my fans in Vegas coming out and supporting (me). But hopefully it will be after this fight that we go. We’ll see.

It goes without saying that you are one of the biggest stars to ever come out of Ghana. And your win over Jessie Magdaleno certainly established you as a star in America. How has your reception been since coming back to the United States?

Everyone’s been great. All my fans have been great. As you know I have been based in California for sometime before I moved back to Ghana. The whole of America has been great. Everyone has been great. Everyone, I’m just so happy for the support. They’ve been great. I’m very, very grateful.

You have a “Meet and Greet” scheduled on August 21 at Max’s Mukhaase, an African restaurant in Chandler Arizona. Do you find yourself emerging as fan favorite with the African Diaspora as a whole in America and not just Ghanaian fans?

Of course, we said that we are becoming the third legacy, the third PPV legacy to come out of Africa. We are close, we are very, very close.