My father wants to stop coaching me - Isaac Dogboe

Having guided his son to his first world title, Paul Dogboe, father of Isaac Dogboe is set to step down as the trainer of the WBO super bantamweight/junior featherweight titleholder.

Paul Dogboe has been the instructor and coach of his son since he burst unto the boxing scene but with the much-desired world title now in the bag, Paul Dogboe has agreed to step aside for a new trainer to take Dogboe to the next level.

This decision by the ex-military man was revealed by Isaac Dogboe in an interview with journalists after impressively knocking out Mexican Jessie Magdaleno.

“I came into the fight and had to warm up into the fight. As the rounds were going up, I got much stronger. I kept on breaking the sweat and as it got to the middle rounds, I knew I was ready. All I can say is a big thank you to God. Right now my father says he wants to retire and hand me over to someone else. I hope he doesn’t but I want to say thank you to my team and all my supporters, an excited Dogboe remarked.

Isaac Dogboe on Sunday became Ghana's youngest ever boxing champion after knocking out Jessie Magdaleno in Philadelphia, making him the new WBO Super Bantamweight/junior featherweight titleholder.

The remarkable feat by the 23-year-old boxer has earned him plaudits from President Akufo-Addo, former President Jerry John Rawlings, legendary boxer Azumah Nelson and a host of key personalities in the country.

The President posted on his official Facebook page: “Congratulations to Isaac Dogboe on his victory over Jessie Magdaleno, and, in so doing, becoming WBO Junior Featherweight/Super Bantamweight Champion, and Ghana's youngest-ever boxing world champion. We are proud of him, and I am confident that he is destined for greatness!!

Azumah Nelson also lauded Dogboe for achieving the historic feat.

“I watched with excitement and pride how you demonstrated bravery, determination and resilience against an undefeated Champion Jessie Magdaleno in his country and more importantly not allowing judges to decide the outcome of the bout but letting your ferocious fists to decide. “That has always been my philosophy which I have shared with you, that is, going into the ring with your own judges and referee,” a visibly happy Azumah Nelson said.

He added that “the real challenge starts from today as he has become the target of all boxers seeking this belt.