Former WBO world super bantamweight champion Isaac Dogboe may have found the perfect match with new trainers Barry Hunter and Patrice Hunter.
Dogboe, who had previously been trained by his father, Paul Dogboe, had been in search of a new cornerman following successive losses to Emanuel Navarrete which cost him of his title.
Father Paul unselfishly decided that it was time for a new voice. They first sought out legendary trainer Freddie Roach, who also trains Manny Pacquiao. Their stint together was short-lived.
“Freddie was my friend,” Paul Dogboe told Joy Sports. “Everything was fine but we realized Freddie roach has about eight serious boxers he is working with.
“I would say he wasn’t the right fit for my son. If you have to study and box you have to get a coach who will be dedicated to the boxer’s time. The kid is a world champion and anybody who works with him must be dedicated to him.”
His son Isaac agrees. “Everything comes down to consistency,” the former world champion told Joy Sports. “Freddie is a great guy regardless of whatever transpired and what he said about me. It is what it is. I cannot take anything away from him.”
The Dogboe’s would then join forces with retired three-division world champion James “Lights Out” Toney. That too didn’t last long. They’ve now settled on Hunter and Harrison, a formidable duo based out Headbangers Gym in Washington, DC.
Hunter and Harris are two of the most respected trainers in U.S. boxing. The Headbangers Boxing program has produced 100 national amateur championships and two professional world titlists. Hunter guided Lamont Peterson to a world championship and was also brought into Shawn Porter’s camp prior to his bout versus Errol Spence Jr.
Dogboe would be a reclamation project for Hunter and Harrison. He hasn’t fought since losing the rematch to Navarrete in May 2019. The plan is for the former 122-pound champion to campaign at featherweight once he returns.
“When I got there the first thing I told them was that I was ready and going to give them my time,” said Isaac. “All I needed from then was to have them push me and work me as hard as they can.”
The fighter and his new team developed an instant connection.
“It felt like people I had worked with for a very long time,” Isaac said. “All I can do is to be happy where I am at the moment and glad to be working with Patrice and Barry.”
