With the IBF world light-middleweight title in his possession, Josh Kelly feels “it’s a different version of me” since he dethroned Bakhram Murtazaliev as he promised to “put on a show” in his maiden defence against Caoimhin Agyarko on Saturday.
Kelly had to bide his time for his opportunity, but the silky 32-year-old from Sunderland grabbed it with both hands with a majority points decision verdict against the Russian in January, improving to 18 wins with one defeat and one draw.
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In some ways, 29-year-old Belfast challenger Agyarko has followed a similar path, enjoying big promotional backing in spells under the Queensberry and Matchroom banners, but was cut adrift by the latter following what was then a career-best win over Troy Williamson in 2023.
Both men will walk to the ring in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on the undercard of Anthony Joshua’s heavyweight return against Kristian Prenga fully aware of how tough it has been to get to this stage.
Kelly, who had to rebuild from a 2021 defeat by David Avanesyan, has rattled off eight successful wins, culminating in his title victory over Murtazaliev in Newcastle, dropping the champion in the fourth before coming through a late storm and surviving his own 11th-round trip to the canvas.
“Being a world champion does something to you,” Kelly said at Thursday’s final media conference.
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“I thought it was a myth beforehand but how I’m going about my work in the gym is just different. It’s a different version of me.
“When I have that confidence, it’s a hard night for anyone: ‘Boots’ [Jaron Ennis], [Sebastian] Fundora – any of them.
“I’m going to come in on Saturday, show there’s levels to this game and put on a show.”
‘I’ll run through walls to become champion’ – Agyarko
Matters got heated between Kelly and Agyarko at Thursday’s news confernece [Getty Images]
Kelly’s fast start against Murtazaliev was the platform for his title success as he mixed movement with measured attacks.
Although just nine of his 18 wins have come inside the distance, he felt the big-punching defending champion “was feeling the shots” and reluctant to open up.
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He is promising a similar performance and “it will be early on” when he breaks Agyarko’s spirit, but the challenger has scoffed at that notion.
Undefeated in 18 contests – seven inside the distance – Agyarko had to come through adversity in his last outing against Ishmael Davis.
Agyarko battled to the line with his right eye swollen shut and picked himself off the canvas in the final round from a flash knockdown, ultimately doing enough to squeeze home by way of a split decision.
Agyarko suffered damage to his left in the previous contest, a points win over Ryan Kelly, so he will know he can ill-afford to become a stationary target for the champion.
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However, he has promised to deliver “the performance of my career” and while things got a little tetchy between with the champion during the head to head, the challenger says he “will run through brick walls” to realise his dream.
“He’s a world champion and a good fighter, but this nonsense I will lose confidence early – I’ve heard it all before,” Agyarko countered.
“It’s my time to go and prove everybody wrong, just as I have the last three or four fights when I’ve been the underdog and the ‘B side’ but have always come out on top.
“I’m prepared for the best Josh Kelly and you’re going to see the best Caoimhin Agyarko so it will be a great fight, but I believe I will create history.
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“I will run through brick walls to become the first black Irish world champion and if I have to beat the best Josh Kelly, then so be it.”
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