Dogboe has the potential to be like Azumah - Rawlings

Ex-President Jerry John Rawlings says fast-rising super bantamweight boxer, Isaac Dogbe, has the potential to be the next Azumah Nelson.

The avid boxing fan who has often been credited with mentoring the boxing ‘Professor’ is confident the 22-year-old boxer will become Ghana’s next boxing hero.

Speaking to pressmen after Dogboe’s seventh round knockout of Argentine boxer Javier Chacon, the former president remarked that he is excited with the pace at which Dogboe is developing and that he is convinced the boxer is the new Azumah Nelson.

According to him, Dogboe has a bright future in the profession and he is adamant the ‘Royal Storm’ will win Ghana a lot of laurels.

“Dogboe is a hot and strong boxer. He was obviously the best fighter on the day and I’m glad he won. It will take him a while to reach Azumah’s standard but he has got the potential to be like Azumah Nelson. Let’s hope and pray that he becomes the great boxer we all expect him to be”, Rawlings said.

He further called on the government to take interest in the development of boxing since it is an avenue that can be used to project the nation.

Dogboe took a huge step towards a world title bout after knocking out Chanon is round 7 of the bout which was dubbed ‘Road to Vegas.

Dogboe took his spectacular fighting record to 17 undefeated fights with 11 being knockouts.

His success in the ‘Road to Las Vegas’ bout may possibly land him a slot in the race for a world title.