I was motivated by criticisms - Tagoe

Emmanuel “Game Boy” Tagoe, claims his emphatic victory over Gerardo Robles in the International Boxing Federation (IBF) Inter-Continental Super Featherweight title fight in California, was inspired by public criticism.

Tagoe, who dominated the fight until his opponent failed to respond to the bell for the tenth round told the GNA Sports that: “I defeated Ashie and my critics said I did not deserve that victory. They never gave me any credit for hard work.

“I went on to beat Ronald Pontilas and the credit was given to the referee. People said the referee aided me to win the fight, whilst other said I can never make it outside Ghana.”

The tough talking Tagoe said, the criticisms rather spurred him on to work harder: “I am sure they will be revising their notes by now, because I have come all the way to the dreaded America to win against a very tough opponent and I am happy with this feat.

“I looked around and noticed I was fighting in a different atmosphere with an unfriendly fan base and the only option was for me to over-work myself to win”, he said.

Tagoe is on schedule to make an attempt at the World Boxing Organisation (WBO) Super Featherweight Title against Roman Martinez early next year.

“Boxing like most sports, has a short life span. You cannot do it your entire life, and so when opportunities come, you must grab them and make the best out of it.This is the reason I have to work hard especially at this time and am not getting complacent,” he stated.

Tagoe, who now boast of a fight record of 23, with one defeat and nine knockouts, is scheduled to arrive in Ghana on Tuesday to commence preparations for another fight in October before making an attempt at the World title in February next year.