Adversity to history – Agyarko’s world title dream

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Adversity to history – Agyarko’s world title dream

BBC Sport · 6 hours ago

Belfast boxer Caoimhin Agyarko, unbeaten in 18 professional fights, challenges IBF light-middleweight champion Josh Kelly in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on the undercard of Anthony Joshua's ring return against Kristian Prenga. The fight represents the culmination of a goal Agyarko has pursued since childhood: becoming the first black Irish world boxing champion, a landmark he says would build on the legacy of fellow Belfast fighter Tommy McCarthy, Ireland's first black European champion.

Agyarko, born in London to an Irish mother and Ghanaian father, moved to west Belfast's Turf Lodge as a child and learned to box at the city's Holy Trinity club, winning Irish and Ulster titles as an amateur before turning professional in 2018. His path to this title shot has been marked by setbacks, including a near-fatal stabbing in Belfast in 2017, a stalled 2023-24 period after beating Troy Williamson, a hard-fought split-decision win over Ishmael Davis in 2025, and a cancelled bout in Las Vegas when opponent Brandon Adams collapsed at the weigh-in, before a deal with Kelly's team secured Saturday's title fight.

  • Caoimhin Agyarko (18-0) fights Josh Kelly for IBF light-middleweight title.
  • Bout is on Anthony Joshua's undercard in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
  • Belfast fighter aims to become first black Irish world champion.

Football Sport

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