'Surreal' redemption story complete as Dennis Hogan becomes world champion
Dennis Hogan, after shooting for a world title on three occasions but failing every time, has finally seized his crowning moment.
The 37-year-old Ireland-born Australian rocked Newcastle on Saturday night, headlining a boxing marathon as he carved out a majority-decision win over Englishman Sam Eggington.
One judge voted the fight 114-114, but the other two pencilled in 116-112.
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Dennis Hogan. No Limit Boxing
When Hogan was announced as the new IBO super-welterweight world champion, he shouted in triumph, pumped his fists and was hoisted into the air by his team.
"This is surreal for me," an emotional Hogan said in his Main Event interview in the ring.
"Ever since Mexico (against Jaime Munguia in April 2019) ... I said I'd keep going til I got the strap.
"I've been through the biggest obstacles.
"Me winning this tonight, I think, is a sign for everybody to just keep going, keep persisting and just keep believing — and you can f---ing do it. One-hundred per cent."
Hogan's hunger for a world title grew tenfold after his bout with Munguia, which saw the Mexican awarded a controversial majority-decision win at home.
It was widely believed that Hogan should have been handed victory, having turned in a tremendous showing over 12 rounds.
He lodged an appeal with the WBO but was rejected.
"I've been in this sport all my life," Hogan said.
"I didn't know what I'd do if I couldn't win a belt before I exit. Tonight my life has been made. I can tick a box — a lovely one."
When asked in the ring on Saturday night if his career was over, he gave an emphatic answer.
"I've got a defence to make in Ireland," Hogan said.
"After that, like I said, if I'm going to stay in the sport we're going after more belts. I'm all in or nothing ... I'm not going anywhere!"
Hogan and Eggington headlined a 20-fight card at an event dubbed the Super Saturday Boxing Festival, which took place over the course of 10 hours at Newcastle Entertainment Centre.
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