Since Dogbe captured the WBA Super bantamweight silverware, I have heard scanty publicity about this particular division. A division that once trumpeted the exploits of Jesse Magdaleno ,even when he was injured until a certain Ewe Royal storm pulled him out from his hiding sleeves.
Many boxing followers were very optimistic and cock sure Dogbe’s next hurdle will be Roman – the WBA same category ruler of the same strip. But it turned otherwise.
I seek to draw an elaborate analysis on the possible outcome of this particular tango between the Royal Storm and the Teak Tough skin Japanese.
ISAAC DOGBE:
Since his flamboyant demolishing of the overbloating “Jesus” Magdaleno, the witty Ghanaian has enjoyed ample newspaper write ups on that particular fight.
Under the tutelage of his Dad, Isaac has since matured in an unexplained confidence and is living as a champion. Obviously not in the suits of celebrated earners like Oscar De La Hoya, Mayweathers, Lomachenkos or the Errol Spences, but in his own Native style.
Complacency has become an alien in the rolling ambitions of the visionary pugilist. Discipline is the hallmark of this young chap. No two ways about that.
Do you recall Dogbe had wanted to unify the superbamtamweight straps immediately he eclipsed Magdaleno? So what happened? Even the rematch clause for the *son of man”- Jesus Magdaleno also sunk out of sight.
The Ghanaian has fought twice this year and has since left for the US and preparing seriously ahead of his first defence of his title on August 25th. What becomes of this fight will be duly expantiated.
HIDENORI OTAKE:
At age 37, one would expect a sober performance and a low key approach in speed and power from the Japanese “pilgrim”.
He hasn’t gotten to the apex of the pugilism enclave but at least will be a proud father to have been able to stand the test of time especially against one of the best in the superbamweight division, Scott Quigg. In fact that has been the only assignment his curriculum vitae could boast of. Indeed, that was his first outside Japan with majority of his ring work in his native Japan.
HIDENORI is not a knockout student in the art, he tries to finish his homework with a pass. That’s all.
In fact he has lost twice in his 33 fight journey and his age may play a diminishing role in this upcoming fight.
We shouldn’t however lose sight of the fact that this particular division has been the favourite domain for the Japanese pugilists.
IBF Superbantamweight King Ryosuke Iwasa is getting set for the 2nd defense of his title against Irishman Tj Doheny on August 16.
Former WBO super bantamweight champion Tomoki Kaneda affectionately called ” Kameda ke saishu Heiku”- “The Ultimate Weapon” of the Kanedas” had ruled this very division for almost 2 years with impressive records of 37 fights,35 KOs and 2 losses.
Just recently, on July 29 Masayaki Ito decisioned Christopher Diaz of Puerto to win the WBO super featherweight title with a record of 24fights 12 Kos and 1 loss.
The stats visibly indicates that the Super bantamweight division is the domain for Japanese boxers.
Otake, last fought in April against Philipino, Brian Lobetano and it was a 10th TKO result.
The Japanese journeyman would want to establish a wish that will wash his wishful dream of dethroning Isaac Dogbe. But Can that materialise? If he wins against Dogbe, he will up resuscitate his image with possible shots at either Danny Roman or Rey Vargas.
THE FIGHT:
I foresee great ring display by both boxers. No two ways about that.
In a bid to elevate his dreaming credentials by annexing all the straps, Dogbe will surely be the oppressor of the two.
Dogbe proved extremely dangerous for Magdaleno. The bragging American was bemused at the result and had to bow down in a respected ring handshake to the Royal storm after that fight. Such will be the same demeanor we should be expecting on August 25th. For real.
The venue is very suitable for Dogbe who is no stranger to that terrain.
For the ambitious Asian, he may be “swimming” in a pool of a mirage in an anticipated victory against Dogbe. But clearly, Otake is determined. I hear he has a solid chin but easily develops eye cuts especially between round 3&4. Beyond these very round , he begins to exhibit feeble punch statistics and wraps up in desperation to solicit for a unanimous decision on the scorecards. But the question again will linger on his bravery to contain the gritty and hard hitting Ghanaian.
PREDICTIONS:
The Knockout percentage ratio both on paper and in the ring by far favours the Royal Storm.
This is the first defence of his title. And a tactical analysis on how Dogbe finished off Magdaleno, is indicative of the fact that the Japanese is in a calling trouble.
Dogbe would need to work through the rib cage spontaneously to wear down the challenger who will surely be the aggressor.
The fight will not last the entire distance. The Royal storm is expected to restore his anticipated dominance in this very division.
The Ghanaian has fought twice this year rubbishing the likes of Cesar Juarez, and Jesse Magdaleno. He will be writing a great statement come 25th August should he win that fight. And if he is able to add Danny Roman to his list, the young Ghanaian pugilist will be a star.
Boxingghana.com has predicted in all his recent fights with accuracy,the latest ones being the cesar Juarez and Jesse Magdaleno encounters.
Anyway the fight night is close. Your bet?
by DENNIS KWEKU MOORE, boxingghana.com,
boxing analyst