Grand Casino, Hinckley, Minnesota, USA. In the main fight of the evening in the WBC eliminator in the featherweight limit (up to 57.2 kg), ex-contender American Joet Gonzalez (25-3, 15 KOs) and ex-world champion Isaac Dogbo (25-2, 15 KOs) from Ghana met . And at stake was the belt of an American according to the WBO International.
The African was urged in the corner with the trademark tribal cry “Nehu!” He actively got down to business, and Gonzalez frankly failed the starting round – he was afraid of his opponent, he was passive.
In the middle of the 2nd round, the local favorite realized that this would not work and began to work as the first number. He forgot the little Dogbo, cornered him, fired a couple of overhands, awarded blanche.
Isaac was not impressive at all with number two. But after the break, he made changes to his boxing: he moved, confused with the angles of attacks, clinched in time and cunningly fouled (grabbed his hands, quietly beat after the referee’s signal). In the 4th round, Gonzalez hit Dogbo with an overhand right, his best shot, and he came through regularly.
Drama in Round 4 @JoetGonzalez1 rocks Isaac Dogboe. #GonzalezDogboe pic.twitter.com/3dxtFGS2j9
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) July 24, 2022
The American seized the initiative and was better in the second half of the fight. Dogbo tried to return blows with blows – several rounds turned out to be competitive. A failed start to the fight could well cost Gonzalez the win. It will be a shame if this happens – the African has a series of not the most confident victories.
WHO WANTS IT MORE? @JoetGonzalez1 | @IsaacDogboe | #GonzalezDogboe pic.twitter.com/CStMqYOpPX
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) July 24, 2022
Judges score: 96-94 Gonzalez, 96-94 Dogbo and 96-94 Dogbo. Another controversial African victory. However, the fight really turned out to be competitive.
Dogbo SD 10.