Caoimhin Agyarko has spoken of his immense disappointment after failing to secure the IBF light-middleweight world title against reigning champion Josh Kelly in Saudi Arabia on Saturday. The Belfast-born boxer, who entered the fight undefeated, conceded that his performance 'wasn't good enough' to dethrone the Sunderland native.
The highly anticipated bout saw Kelly, aged 32, establish an early lead, utilising his speed and movement to control the initial rounds. Despite sustaining cuts under his left eye and a damaged nose, Kelly maintained his composure. Agyarko, however, began to find his rhythm in the second half of the contest, particularly after Kelly was docked a point in the sixth round for repeated rabbit punches. This shift in momentum led to a more competitive latter stage, with both fighters believing they had done enough at the final bell.
Ultimately, the judges sided with the defending champion. Two scorecards read 115-112 in favour of Kelly, while the third judge scored it a narrower 114-113. This outcome means Kelly improves his professional record to 19 wins, one draw, and one loss, marking his ninth consecutive victory since his only career defeat in 2021. For Agyarko, this was his inaugural professional loss, bringing his record to 18-1.
Speaking to DAZN after the fight, a visibly emotional Agyarko stated, "I'm just heartbroken I couldn't make history tonight, but I was in with a classy operator." He acknowledged that his coach, Adam Booth, had suggested they underestimated him, but reiterated, "it wasn't good enough, ultimately." Despite the defeat, Agyarko remains determined, vowing to return and become the first black Irish world champion.
Kelly, in victory, offered words of encouragement to his opponent, describing the fight as "messy, hard." He advised Agyarko to view the experience as a learning opportunity rather than a mere loss, drawing parallels with his own career setback. "He'll come back but has to show how much he wants it, bounce back from his loss like I did five or six years ago. That's the true heart of a champion," Kelly remarked.