By David Finger

Undefeated WBO Jr. Featherweight champion Isaac Dogboe’s upcoming fight with #2 ranked Emanuel Navarette on December 8 had been declared a mandatory defense, a move that gives Dogboe more flexibility in regards to a subsequent title defense assuming he wins against Navarette. With the fight declared a mandatory title defense Dogboe will have nine months after the Navarette fight before he will be required to make a subsequent mandatory title defense. This also opens up the possible world title fight in Ghana in 2019 by giving Team Dogboe more flexibility in solidifying the proposed homecoming. The current #1 contender is Diego De La Hoya, who reportedly did not object to the move.

“I talked to Golden Boy (promoters of De La Hoya) and they agreed.” Dogboe advisor Mike Altamura said of the #1 contender.