Tagoe beats Pontillas in controversial decision in Asamoah Gyan's second boxing bout

Ghana's Emmanuel Tagoe retained his WBA Africa and WBO International titles by defeating Ronald Pontillas in a controversial bout organized by the boxing promotions of Black Stars captain; Asamoah Gyan.

Tagoe had to recover from a fourth round knock down to beat the competitive Filipino on majority decision which was hugely contested early Saturday morning.

The Game Boy scored 111-116-118 to edge out Pontillas who scored 111-112-111.

Some people in the crowd however felt the score cards was not the true reflection of the fight.

Tagoe lost his strong-hold of the fight from the moment he was knocked down in the fourth round.

And even though he had the opportunity to get the strong Filipino to visit the canvas, the Game Boy was found consistently retreating from Pontillas who increasingly grew in confidence.

The 24-year-old Ghanaian who aspires to win a world title was honest to admit he needed to vary his game plan to ensure he won the fight.

“I went in with the intention of finishing him (Pontillas) off,” he said at the post-bout press conference.

“But he is a strong fighter who gave me my most difficult fight ever and therefore I had to change my plans.

“Once I realized I would be at a disadvantage with his superior punching power, standing toe-to-toe with him was always going to hurt my chances of winning.”

Despite the heap of discontent in a section of the crowd at the Accra Sports Stadium, ex Ghana defender Samuel Osei-Kuffour who watched the fight from ring side believes Tagoe fully deserved the win.

“I think it was the right decision because the guy (Pontillas) was just making air-punches without landing most of them,” he said.

“So for me I think it was the right decision by the judges.”

Tagoe, the headline project of the Baby Jet Promotions owned by Black Stars captain; Asamoah Gyan, will now move camp to the USA for another fight in June as part of plans to get him in shape for a world title fight.