Sunderland's Josh Kelly successfully defended his IBF light-middleweight world title in a hard-fought contest against Ireland's Caoimhin Agyarko in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The Briton, aged 31, was forced to dig deep, enduring a point deduction and sustaining cuts to his face, to secure a narrow points victory with judges scoring the bout 114-113, 115-112, and 115-112.
Kelly, known as 'Pretty Boy', appeared to be in control during the initial rounds, displaying his characteristic flair and speed. However, the complexion of the fight shifted dramatically in the sixth round when he received a deserved point deduction for repeated punches to the back of Agyarko's head. This infringement, coupled with a head clash in the ninth round that left Kelly with a gash on his nose and other cuts, allowed the 29-year-old Agyarko to grow in confidence and mount a significant late comeback.
Despite the adversity, including shouts from Agyarko's corner suggesting he didn't want the fight, Kelly demonstrated resilience in the championship rounds. He responded with sharp uppercuts and landed cleaner work, including a double left hook in the final round, to ensure he retained his title. This victory marks Kelly's 21st professional win and cements his position as a world champion after winning the IBF title against Bakhram Murtazaliev in January.
On the same fight card, which featured Anthony Joshua's heavyweight comeback, British WBO super-middleweight champion Hamzah Sheeraz also secured a defence of his title. The 27-year-old Londoner laboured to a majority decision win over Germany's Simon Zachenhuber, extending his professional record to 24 wins and one defeat. Sheeraz admitted he was not at his best, struggling to find his rhythm and the power that has characterised many of his previous victories.
The tension between Kelly and Agyarko had been palpable throughout the week leading up to the fight, with pre-bout exchanges and a heated weigh-in. Kelly's determination to 'humiliate' his opponent set the stage for a dramatic encounter, and while the fight was messy and gruelling, Kelly's ability to withstand pressure and secure the win underscored his championship pedigree.