Kelly and Agyarko ooze confidence before title bout

ByDavid Mohan

BBC Sport NI journalist

Briton Josh Kelly says we will see a "different version" of him when he makes the first defence of his IBF light-middleweight title against Caoimhin Agyarko on Saturday.

Kelly rebuilt from his sole career loss in 2021 to beat Bakhram Murtazaliev and claim the title in January, winning the belt in his 20th professional bout.

Belfast's Agyarko has also overcome adversity to earn a seat at world title level, having been cut by promoter Matchroom after 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.

"Being a world champion does something to you," Kelly said at Thursday's final news conference.

"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."

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.

The Sunderland fighter 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 dig deep to come through his last outing against Ishmael Davis.

Agyarko was knocked down in the 12th round but made it to the final bell with his right eye swollen shut and had ultimately done enough to win by split-decision.

The 29-year-old suffered damage to his left eye 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.

Agyarko and Kelly both appeared agitated during Thursday's news conference and there was a heated exchange when they faced off.

'Black Thunder' rejected claims that he will wilt in the early stages of the contest and promised a career-best performance.

"He's a world champion and a good fighter, but this nonsense I will lose confidence early - I've heard it all before," Agyarko said.

"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.

"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."