Veteran Japanese fighter, Hidenori Otake, has vowed to get a knockout win over Isaac Dogboe in an enemy territory when he challenges the Ghanaian for the WBO World super bantamweight title at the Gila River Arena at Glandale in Arizona on Saturday, August 25.
Otake, a 37-year-old boxer, believes it was his last chance to annex a world title having lost his maiden chance in 2014 to Scot Quigg and was ready to go to war with Dogboe.
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In a fight which represents the undefeated Ghanaian's first title defence, Dogboe (19-0, 13 KOs) will be keen on avoiding any slip against Otake and has predicted a resounding knockout victory over the Japanese in their slugfest in order to realise his dream of a possible unification bout by the end of the year.
But with both fighters prepared for a knockout victory, Otake (31-2-3, 14 KOs) insists he was not under any pressure to deliver, but rather motivated to end Dogboe's short stint as a world champion by killing his unification dream.
"I will be the one to get the knockout, and I will do it in enemy territory. I see no disadvantage in my size when comparing it to Dogboe’s power.
In order to make up for that disadvantage, Otake has been sparring with a partner almost the same height as the Ghanaian, in anticipation for his 5’2 opponent and relishes his preparation saying “Minus a few extra pounds, I’m ready to fight today."
"I’ve watched Dogboe’s last three fights and noticed how he likes to always assert himself by coming forward. I’ll watch and control the distance,†Otake also revealed.
"The one fighter who did just that was Satoshi Shimizu, who defeated Dogboe in the Olympics. “It’s unnecessary for me to watch that amateur fight as Shimizu is a southpaw.
"I understand that this is my last chance at a title shot. I don’t feel any pressure about this fact, instead, I'm motivated."
Part of the Japanese's motivation comes from Dogboe’s multitasking personality in which he has talked about unifying titles after he defeats Otake and also wanting to enroll in university, potentially this Fall.
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“I really hope he takes classes but I’ll prevent him from attending anything too soon," he concluded.
Source: Graphic.com.gh
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