Isaac Dogboe vs. Jessie Magdaleno: A Classic Meeting Between Two Worthy Champions

Isaac Dogboe defeated Jessie Magdaleno on Saturday night (Photo: Senyuiedzorm A. Adadevoh – ImagesImage.com)

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By Chris Robinson

Having known Jessie Magdaleno as far back as the tail-end of his amateur days here in Las Vegas, I can attest that I’ve always seen something special in the southpaw fighter.

I saw Magdaleno make the transition from one of the city’s most-talked about amateur prospects all the way up to the championship ranks and it was a memorable ride to take in.

Two days shy of his 19th birthday, on November 6, 2010, I saw Magdaleno make his debut inside of the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Magdaleno shined with a first round TKO over Matthew Salazar and things picked up fast from there.

Magdaleno struck me as somebody with tremendous talent, speed, and power, and that combination allowed him to go on an early winning streak, rarely seeming to lose a round in his early years. Magdaleno was a busy prospect who fought often and went for the kill whenever he had someone injured; I know he would one day be fighting for a title.

Magdaleno struck gold in November of 2016, defeating then-champion Nonito Donaire to capture the WBO junior featherweight title via competitive decision. I knew that anybody who would be fortunate to one day defeat Magdaleno would have to be a special talent; I just didn’t expect that man to be Ghana’s Isaac Dogboe.

This past Saturday night, April 28, inside of the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia, Magdaleno suffered an 11th round TKO in an excellent pairing of two, hungry young lions.

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Watching the fight unfold early, you cold tell that Magdaleno (25-1, 18 KO’s) was a little more precise and overall the more polished fighter. He scored a knockdown against Dogboe (19-0, 13 KO’s) in the opening round, but the 23-year old African would not surrender easily.

What kept Dogboe in the fight was his persistence and ability to really let his hands go whenever he had Magdaleno against the ropes. Dogboe’s power shots to the body and head were starting to leave an impression as the fight wore on and it became apparent that was a fight not between a champion and challenger, but more so two quality champions.

Dogboe broke through and registered his first knockdown in round five, as a big right hand sent Magdaleno to the canvas. The 26-year old rose and continued to fight valiantly, but the fight was now in Dogboe’s favor and he continued to press the issue as the rounds wore on.

Magdaleno fought like a champion who didn’t want to lose his belt, yet it was destined to be Dogboe’s night, as he kept marching forward and finally finished the action in round 11. In that frame, Dogboe registered two more knockdowns, the last being an assault along the ropes that saw the fight waved off.

And, just like that, the youngest champion in Ghana’s history was crowned. Prior to the stoppage, Dogboe led on all cards by scores of 97-91, 96-91, and 95-93. With the win, young Dogboe sees his stock sore while eyeing his first defense.

As for Magdaleno, having known him for so long, I believe we will see him come back stronger from this. He’s still just 26 years old and he has picked up a lot of experience in becoming a champion. I look forward to seeing him, and Dogboe, again.

Check below for a closer look from photographer Senyueidzorm A. Adadevoh, who covered the fight for Hustle Boss this past weekend.

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Chris Robinson can be reached at CRobinson@hustleboss.com

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