Ghanaian boxer Isaac Dogboe’s aspirations for a shot at the WBC featherweight title took a blow with his defeat to Nick Ball in the final eliminator held in Manchester.
Dogboe experienced a unanimous defeat, as all three judges scored in favor of Ball with scores of 116-111, 118-109, and 119-108.
Having aimed for an opportunity to challenge Rey Vargas, the current titleholder who has yet to defend the belt since defeating Mark Magsayo in July 2022, Dogboe’s setback means that Ball now stands a chance to face Vargas.
On the other hand, Dogboe, with four losses to his name, must now regroup and strategize to make his way back to competing against the top fighters in his division.
“I’m feeling good, it was a good performance from myself. I had to keep my cool in there and control the fight,” Ball said after the fight, as quoted by Bad Left Hook. “I feel like I’ve just controlled that fight at world level. I’ve just put myself in position (to fight for a world title).”
From the outset, Ball asserted dominance in the fight, although Dogboe showcased occasional moments of strength and sharpness.
In his recent attempt to secure a world title, Dogboe faced defeat to Robeisy Ramirez just last month.
Over the course of the last five years, the 1.57m boxer has suffered three losses to opponents with a height advantage. This series of setbacks includes consecutive defeats against Emmanuel Navarrete in the WBO Junior Lightweight division, followed by a loss to Ramirez in the quest for the WBO Featherweight title.