Houston? We have a problem- Dennis Hogan put his foot down when Charlo’s hometown was mentioned

Dennis Hogan [28(7)-2(0)-1] has revealed he put his foot down in a bid to avoid hometown heartache for the second world title fight running.

Most were baffled when as a mandatory challenger, Hogan agreed to travel to Mexico to take on local favourite Jaime Munguia in Monterrey.

The old ‘knock out to get a draw’ line got a regular airing in the lead up to the fight. However, the ultra positive Kildare man wasn’t worried and continued to visualize himself defeating Munguia and lifting the WBO light middleweight strap, while DDP Sports got ‘ a fair shake’ assurances from the WBO on more than one occasion.

‘The Hurricane’ lived up to his end of the bargain, produced a performance worthy of claiming world honours, but was on the wrong end of a much questioned scorecard, as the Mexican was the beneficiary of your stereotypical home town decision.

DDP Sports argued the widely condemned reverse cost their charge in the region of five million dollars, but Hogan’s main concern was his world title dream.

The Kilcullen man has a second chance on December 7 when he challenges Jermall Charlo [29(21)-0] for the WBC middleweight title – and while confident he can do his job regardless of venue he remained determined to avoid any hometown scenarios.

The fight will play out in the Barclay’s Center in New York pre Christmas and while the champion was keen to claim that as his new home Irish-boxing.com can reveal PBC and team Charlo wanted to bring the fight to Texas and Houston in particular.

However, Hogan wasn’t willing to take the risk this time – and despite rumours of an increased purse – was willing to walk if it was Houston or nothing.

“When I seen Houston as an option, I thought here we go again right in the Champions backyard, but this fight I didn’t have to take. I hadn’t spent years getting to this belts mandatory and all the money and work that gets invested by me my team, DDP sports and sponsors.

“It’s a meet me an equal terms or nothing scenario. I’m the one coming up in weight. My team did a great job and I’m supremely happy with the way it’s all panned out.”

Having the fight in New York could prove an advantage for Hogan if he can attract large Irish support, but the move to 160lbs remains a brave one.

As explained to Irish-boxing.com previously the move was made because a 154lbs shot was not forthcoming – and Hogan is world title keen.

He is also keen to ensure he dethrone’s a named champion rather than win a vacated title. The Australian based fighter see’s more honour in doing it that way. Honour means a lot to the Lillywhite and it’s something he wonders if his former foe Munguia knows anything about.

“When I see Munguia’s posts – and I do see them cause I’m tagged in them – about 50% of the comments saying that he’s a paper champ cause I beat him and he didn’t rematch me, I nearly feel sorry for him. Either himself or his team have the fear and that’s no way for a fighter to live. Face your fears I believe and break through them, don’t run and hide and make up silly posts about how the promoters couldn’t reach an agreement, we’d have do the rematch in a heartbeat.”