Ghanaian boxing legend David ‘Poison’ Kotei has urged new WBO World Super Bamtamweight Champion Isaac Dogboe to continue to work hard to maintain his position in the sport.
Dogboe defeated Jessie Magdaleno in Philadelphia, U.S on Sunday to become Ghana’s youngest world champion at 23.
Poison, who became Ghana’s first world boxing champion in 1975 when he beat Rubén Olivares by split points decision after 15 rounds to win the WBC World featherweight title, wants Dogboe to continue to work hard in order to remain relevant in the sport.
“He [Dogboe] needs to maintain the level of work he put in before the world title. He cannot afford to relax. I believe if he remains on top of his game for a long time, he can retain the title. Boxing is a profession like any other work, so he has to keep training whether or not he has a fight in place, he said.
Dogboe arrived in Ghana on Tuesday evening to a hero’s welcome at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA). Dogboe dedicated the victory to God who helped him to defeat Jessie Magdaleno.
“Saturday was a great night of boxing and like I keep saying the battle belongs to the Lord. The voice of the people is the voice of God and God heard the prayers of the people and He delivered. I’m lost for words, and all I can say is let’s give glory to God. Let’s all celebrate. Ghana has a new world champion and that champion is the Lord himself.
“We believe that the drought is over and from here on if all the athletes work hard and go out there with fairness, they will be able to bring something home,” Dogboe added.
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