Josh Kelly retained his IBF light-middleweight title in a hard-fought points decision against Caoimhin Agyarko in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, despite suffering facial cuts and a late comeback from the Irish challenger.
Josh Kelly’s first defense of his IBF light-middleweight world title was a brutal test, as Belfast’s Caoimhin Agyarko pushed the champion to the limit in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Kelly survived a late surge from Agyarko, who mounted a spirited comeback after a sixth-round point deduction for repeated punches to the back of the head, to secure a narrow 114-113, 115-112, 115-112 decision.
A Grueling Back-and-Forth
The fight began with Kelly in control, using his movement and counterpunching to neutralize Agyarko’s jab. However, the tide shifted in the sixth round when Kelly received a point deduction for low blows, a decision that disrupted his rhythm. Agyarko capitalized, landing sharp left hooks and forcing Kelly into a defensive posture. By the ninth round, Kelly had a gash on his nose and cuts across his face, the result of headbutts and elbows in a brawl that escalated as the rounds progressed.
That was a messy and hard fight.
I didn't get cuts from punches like this, it comes from heads and elbows.
This is what it looks like when you've got tight skin,
Kelly said after the bout, reflecting the physical toll of the contest.
Kelly’s Resilience Under Pressure
Kelly’s resilience was on full display as he weathered Agyarko’s late charge. The 31-year-old champion, who claimed his 21st professional victory, showed composure in the final rounds, landing clean punches to secure the decision. His strategy of adapting to Agyarko’s game plan—facing a fighter known for his awkward style—proved crucial. I knew he [Agyarko] was go to be tricky and awkward. [He had] a good game plan. He tried to make it a good boxing match. I had to show a different side to me at the end and that is what a champions does,
Kelly said.
Agyarko’s corner reportedly told him, He doesn't want it,
in the 10th round, but Kelly responded with sharp uppercuts. The final two rounds were tense, with Kelly landing the cleaner work before catching Agyarko with a double left hook in the 12th. The judges’ decision underscored the fight’s competitiveness, with all three scorecards favoring Kelly by a narrow margin.
Unification Ambitions and Next Steps
With the title retained, Kelly turned his focus to unification bouts. The Sunderland native expressed interest in challenging WBA champion Jaron “Boots” Ennis, citing the American’s dominance in the division. People will be smiling looking at that and saying ‘what is he talking about’—but that style of fight is a tricky night for anyone.
Kelly’s next move could set the stage for a blockbuster matchup in the 154-pound division. Sheeraz, who defeated Alem Begic to win the vacant WBO title, faced a stern test but ultimately secured the win, though he admitted he didn’t think it was that bad
after the fight.
The Broader Implications
The outcome of Kelly’s title defense highlights the competitive nature of the light-middleweight division, where multiple world champions vie for dominance. Kelly’s ability to overcome adversity in the ring reinforces his status as a top contender, while Agyarko’s performance—despite the loss—demonstrates his potential as a rising star. For fans, the fight offered a glimpse into the physical and mental demands of world-class boxing, with both fighters pushing their limits.
Kelly’s next opportunity to unify titles could come as early as next summer, with potential matchups against Ennis or other division leaders. Meanwhile, Agyarko will look to regroup and aim for a rebound in future bouts. The fight’s legacy will likely be remembered as a testament to the grit required to succeed in elite boxing, with Kelly’s victory cementing his place among the division’s elite.
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