Bloodied Kelly battles past Agyarko to retain title
Josh Kelly successfully defended his IBF light-middleweight championship against Caoimhin Agyarko in a narrow and competitive bout held in Jeddah. The Briton controlled much of the early action, but encountered trouble when he received a point deduction in the sixth round for illegal punches directed at the back of the head, which disrupted his momentum. Agyarko capitalised on this opportunity and mounted a spirited challenge as the fight progressed, with Kelly suffering visible cuts and swelling to his face. Despite the challenger's resurgence, Kelly managed to secure victory on the judges' scorecards.
The victory marked Kelly's 21st professional win and represented a significant missed opportunity for Agyarko, who had sought to become Ireland's first black world champion. Instead, the Belfast fighter suffered his first career defeat in his 30th professional contest, though his determined late-round performance demonstrated considerable competitive spirit. The bout took place as part of the undercard for Anthony Joshua's heavyweight comeback, with the narrowness of the decision reflecting the closely contested nature of the championship encounter.
- Josh Kelly retained his IBF light-middleweight title against Caoimhin Agyarko with a narrow points decision (114-113, 115-112, 115-112)
- Kelly controlled early rounds but was deducted a point for illegal punches; Agyarko mounted a strong late comeback as Kelly suffered visible cuts
- Agyarko suffered his first professional defeat in his 30th contest, missing his bid to become Ireland's first black world champion