Ghanaian boxer Isaac "The Royal Storm" Dogboe (24-2, 15KOs) recorded a split decision win against American boxer Joet Gonzalez (25-3, 15KOs) to secure the World Boxing Organisation (WBO) International Featherweight title.


The final eliminator bout, fought at the Grand Casino, Hinckley, Minnesota, witnessed some thrills with two of the judges scoring the bout 96-94 in favour of the Ghanaian boxer, while the other judge scored the bout 96-94 in favour of Gonzalez.


It was such a close fight in the 10-round thriller, but Dogboe, who is a former WBO World Super Bantamweight champion, prevailed at the end of the bout.


Dogboe was explosive in the first three rounds of the bout, landing some impressive right hands with his ring generalship absolutely superb.


But Gonzalez came back very strong in the late rounds, causing Dogboe all sorts of trouble, having landed some big right hands and uppercuts.


But Dogboe, who is also the North American Boxing Federation (NABF) featherweight champion, stood firm to defeat Gonzalez, taking his WBO International Featherweight title.


The Ghanaian boxer is in line for a trilogy against reigning WBO World Featherweight Champion Emanuel Navarrete or could opt to fight World Boxing Council (WBC) Featherweight Champion Rey Vargas.


Dogboe would be looking to avenge his two losses against the Mexican boxer, who is in good shape after successfully defending his title for the ninth time.



GNA