WATCH: Isaac Dogboe Earns WORLD TITLE SHOT Following Victory Over Joet Gonzalez

Written by Jared Parry on 24th July 2022.

British-Ghanian former world champion Isaac Dogboe came one step closer to becoming a two-weight world champion as he would get a split decision victory in an action-packed bout with Joet Gonzalez in Minnesota to pick up the WBO International featherweight title.

Dogboe was the early aggressor in the bout as he implemented his speed and power early as he looked to dominate. As the rounds ticked by, Gonzalez would come on strong, as he would force Dogboe to retreat against the ropes and dish out some dangerous combinations.

Gonzalez would continue his pressure but Dogboe demonstrated his perseverance as he would nullify Gonzalez's work with solid hooks and vicious body shots, counteracting the work rate of Gonzalez. In the ninth, Dogboe seemed to find a breakthrough when a heavy right hook found the mark, briefly stalling Gonzalez.

As we entered the final round, the general consensus was that the bout would be decided in the final round, and Dogboe's team urged their man on to make sure he finishes this bout on top. Dogboe delivered on his corners orders as he would look the better man in the tenth. Following a close fight, the scorecards read 96-94 Gonzalez and 96-94×2 Dogboe, confirming Dogboe as next in line for a title shot.

The bout was for the WBO International title but was also a final eliminator for the WBC World title, a title that Rey Vargas defeated Mark Magsayo for just two weeks ago. Dogboe will also be high in the WBO rankings following the gain of the WBO International title, the WBO World title is held by Emanuel Navarrete, the man who dethroned Dogboe as super bantamweight world champion.