Former WBO super bantamweight world champion Isaac Dogboe has opened up about the emotional and difficult decision to bring his professional boxing career to an end, admitting that retirement was not an easy choice.
The 31-year-old Ghanaian boxer, popularly known as “The Royal Storm,” announced his retirement earlier this month after an accomplished career that saw him record 24 wins and four defeats, including 16 victories by knockout.
Despite calling time on his career, Dogboe says the temptation to return to the ring has not completely disappeared.
Speaking to Joy Sports, he revealed that he has continued to receive offers for fights, making the decision to stay retired even more difficult.
“It’s been a tough decision to make. Sometimes I’ll be there and get the itch,” Dogboe said.
He explained that whenever a fight offer comes his way, he has to seriously question whether he still has the desire to put himself through the demands of professional boxing.
“An offer will come to the table, but I ask myself, ‘Do I really want to take this fight?’ So, I had to take a minute to arrive at this decision.”
For Dogboe, the decision was never primarily about financial rewards. Instead, he said he wanted to be certain that walking away was the right decision for his life and future.
“It’s never been about the money for me when it comes to boxing; I just wanted to be sure I was making the right decision,” he added.
Dogboe reveals mental health struggles
Beyond the physical demands of boxing, Dogboe also provided a rare insight into the mental and emotional pressures that come with competing at the highest level.
The former world champion acknowledged that there were periods when his mental health became a concern, highlighting the pressure athletes face to appear strong even when they are struggling internally.
“It drives you nuts. Sometimes it’s a little bit deeper than it seems. Our sport or industry is such that we’re constantly portraying strength. When you’re hurt, you have to get up and act like you’re okay,” he said.
According to Dogboe, the nature of professional boxing can make it difficult for fighters to openly discuss their struggles.
He said boxers often have to deal with a constant stream of thoughts about previous fights, upcoming bouts and responsibilities outside the sport, including family matters.
“It’s difficult to find someone to talk to through all of this because you’re constantly thinking about your previous fights, your next bout… so many things running through your mind. Sometimes, combining that with family becomes difficult,” he added.
A career that made its mark
Dogboe’s retirement brings an end to a career in which he established himself as one of Ghana’s leading boxing talents.
He captured the WBO super bantamweight world title and became a prominent figure in Ghanaian boxing before continuing his career in higher weight divisions.
Although the decision to retire has been difficult, Dogboe’s candid reflections have also drawn attention to the often-unseen mental and emotional pressures professional fighters experience away from the spotlight.
For now, “The Royal Storm” appears ready to embrace life beyond the ring, even as he admits that the desire to fight can still return from time to time.
