​Caoimhin Agyarko will challenge Josh Kelly for the IBF light-middleweight world title in a bout scheduled for Saturday, July 25, in Saudi Arabia. The clash is set to headline the undercard of Anthony Joshua’s return, as he faces Kristian Prenga at the Jeddah Superdome.
BBC Sport NI first reported in May that Sunderland’s Kelly would make his first title defence against Agyarko, who claimed the belt in January by defeating Bakhram Murtazaliev. The initial plan had Agyarko facing Brandon Adams in a final eliminator in April. However, Adams collapsed before the weigh-in, forcing the IBF to order another eliminator between Agyarko and Murtazaliev. With Kelly then granted the option of a voluntary defence, a deal to face Agyarko was reached and formalised on Monday.
“I was heartbroken at the time when the Adams fight was cancelled and didn’t know what would happen next—whether I’d have to fight in another eliminator, land the title fight, or be left on the sidelines again,” Agyarko told BBC Sport NI. “I had just come off a 14-week camp, spent thousands of pounds away from my friends, my partner, and my family, so thankfully there’s been a silver lining and my manager [Paul Ready] worked out a deal to get this fight over the line.”
He added: “It was disappointing the IBF tried to order another final eliminator against Murtazaliev even though I’d done everything that was asked of me: showed up and was told only 25 minutes before the weigh-in that I wouldn’t be fighting Adams.” Agyarko emphasized that there was a silver lining and that everything seems to be unfolding as it should, expressing a belief that what is meant for him will not pass him by.
Agyarko’s last ring appearance was a split decision win over Ishmael Davis at Belfast’s Windsor Park in December. Since his solitary career loss to David Avanesyan in 2021, Kelly has racked up eight consecutive wins, including the title triumph. Also on the bill, Hamzah Sheeraz will make the first defence of his WBO super-middleweight title against Germany’s Simon Zachenhuber.
The boxing schedule for 2026 includes a full lineup of bouts, with results and coverage continuing to be highlighted by BBC Sport. Fans can anticipate a major night of action as the Saudi venue hosts a championship bout that could redefine the IBF light-middleweight landscape, alongside a title defense for the WBO super-middleweight division and other compelling matchups on the undercard.