Ghana’s WBO Africa featherweight title holder, Isaac Dogboe, has pledged to defeat the WBO Oriental (OPBF) featherweight champion, Neil John Tabanao, when they engage in a unification bout tonight at the Police Officers’ Social and Fitness Centre in Accra.
Speaking at yesterday’s weigh-in at the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) premises, Dogboe, who weighed 124.7 pounds, said: “A soldier never loses in his home but I believe he [Tabanao] is a warrior and will give me a good fight.
“There will be someone going down but I promise it is not going to be me.”
Dogboe’s Filipino opponent, who also tilted the scales at 124.7 pounds, assured Ghanaians of war when he mounts the ring tonight to challenge Dogboe.
Both boxers have impressive records as they challenge each other for the WBC Youth Championship title Dogboe is unbeaten in 13 bouts, while Tabanao has just lost once in 14 bouts.
Meanwhile, Ghanaian boxing legend Azumah Nelson, has cautioned Dogboe not to underrate his Filipino opponent.
Azumah, a three-time world champion during his boxing days, described Tabanao as a tough boxer who will give Dogboe a good fight.
“I don’t want Dogboe to underrate Tabanao because he is a good boxer. Dogboe could realise his dream of becoming a world champion if he is able to defeat the Filipino,” Azumah said.
The president of the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA), Peter Zwennes, also cautioned Dogboe to be disciplined in the ring since boxers from the Philippines are exceptional and tough.
Dubbed “Africa vs Asia”, the bill also features Obodai Sai of Ghana against Iddrisa Kabore of Burkina Faso for the WBO Africa super middleweight title, while Kalu Iddrisa fights Briton Adam Taylor in an eight-round bout.
The bout is being staged by the Aborigines Beach Resort Promotions, in collaboration with Rising Stars Africa Promotions.
