Undefeated WBO world 122lb. champion Isaac Dogboe’s upcoming fight with #2 ranked Emanuel Navarrete on December 8 has been declared a mandatory defense.

 

This move gives Dogboe more flexibility with respect to a subsequent title defense assuming he wins against Navarrete. With the fight declared a mandatory, Dogboe will have nine months after the Navarrete 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. 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.