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‘It’s all come together perfectly’ – Hogan believes he is destined to become world champion

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Dennis Hogan’s belief he is destined to win a world title wasn’t lessened by his Mexican and Jaime Munguia experience.

Hogan traveled to Mexico in full belief he was going to defy the odds, beat a fighter built as a ‘monster’ and lift the WBO light middleweight title over his head last April.

The Kildare native did produce a career best performance and most believe did enough to win the fight.

However, he was denied a historic victory by a more than questionable scorecard. Hogan and his team were outraged post a decision DDP Sports argued cost their man $5 million as well as deserved world champion status.

A rematch was petitioned for, but was not forthcoming,yet still ‘The Hurricane’ remained positive. A shot at a middleweight title and Jermall Charlo arose, the Australian based fighter jumped at it and now feels the Munguia misfortune it’s a bit more drama thrown into his his world title winning script.

“It’s really all come together perfectly,” Hogan said. “I believe that in life, if you work hard and want something, it will come.”

Burnt by his Tijuana experience, Hogan seems to suggest he won’t waste any potential stoppage opportunities if they arise in Brooklyn on Saturday.

“This time we really put the intent into making sure we take full advantage of any opportunity that presents itself in this fight,” he adds before he suggests he is more equipt to take such a chance.

The 34-year-old feels bigger and stronger having moved up six pounds.

“I’ve gained power because of the extra carbohydrates that I’ve been able to have in camp. I have more back muscle, leg muscle and I can feel the power. It’s an extra 10 to 15% snap on my punches.

“We sparred with Jeison Rosario in Miami and he was exactly what I needed for this fight. He’s prepared me and gotten me ready for anything that Charlo can bring on Saturday.”

The Aussie based Irish fighter also believes he brings serious mental strength and self belief advantages into the fight.

The DDP Sports fighter is underdog going into the clash with a two weight world champion, but he warns he is an under dog with sharp teeth.

“Everyone who’s seen me fight fully knows that I can win this and I have 100 percent confidence that I will get it done. If you know how determined I am, you know that I can win this fight.

“I’ve been training in Miami where it’s very humid and we arrived here last night. I like the cold weather here and I love this air. It’s crisp and clean. This is the atmosphere where I do my best work. On top of that, being in New York has real prestige to it. Just being here makes me feel like I’m truly living my dreams.”

dpg

Jonny Stapleton

Irish-boxing.com contributor for 15 years and editor for the past decade. Have been covering boxing for over 16 years and writing about sports for a living for over 20 years. Former Assistant Sports editor for the Gazette News Paper Group and former Tallaght Voice Sports Editor. Have had work published in publications around the world when working as a freelance journalist. Also co-founder of Junior Sports Media and Leinster Rugby PRO of the Year winner. email: editoririshboxing@gmail.com

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