Azumah Nelson, considered to be Africa’s greatest ever boxer, has congratulated new WBO World Super-Bantamweight Champion Isaac Dogboe.
On Saturday night, ‘Royal Storm’ recovered from a first round knockdown to put Jessie Magdaleno down three times before an 11th round stoppage.
With the win, Dogboe became Ghana’s youngest ever World Champion at the age of 23. Nelson lifted WBC belts at Featherweight and Super-Featherweight during a storied career, first becoming World Champion in 1984.
“I watched with excitement and pride how you demonstrated bravery, determination and resilience against an undefeated Champion Jessie Magdaleno in his country and more importantly not allowing judges to decide the outcome of the bout but letting your ferocious fists to decide,” Nelson said in a statement.
“That has always been my philosophy which I have shared with you, that is, going into the ring with your own judges and referee.”
The 59-year-old legend also had a word of warning for Ghana’s new boxing star, stating that now he’s top dog in the division, he will have a target on his back.
“The real challenge starts from today as he has become the target of all boxers seeking this belt. Dogboe has to train harder than he did before this fight, continue to respect his team and honour the God who made him the Champion and I promise him he will do greater things,” added Nelson.
Dogboe, who represents Great Britain as well as Ghana, is a man with options. He could return to the States to work with Top Rank again, or head back to Ghana where he drew a big crowd in Accra when stopping Cesar Juarez in January.
“This is a great feeling. Azumah Nelson did it, and now I can call myself a Champion,” Dogboe said after the fight.