Agyarko aims to become Ireland’s first black world champion
11 reported
Caoimhin Agyarko will fight IBF light-middleweight champion Josh Kelly on Saturday in Saudi Arabia, on the undercard of Anthony Joshua's return against Kristian Prenga in Jeddah. The Belfast boxer, who is 30 years old and started boxing at age seven, has long stated his goal of becoming Ireland's first black world champion. Agyarko told BBC Sport NI that he has already made history as the first black Irishman to fight for a world title, but his plan is to win the belt and lead the way for future generations. Born in London to an Irish mother and Ghanaian father, he moved to west Belfast at age seven and trained at the Holy Trinity club. His professional career began in 2018, and he has faced setbacks including a 2017 stabbing in Belfast city centre that required emergency surgery. Agyarko expressed confidence in his ability to beat Kelly, saying he will "steamroll" his opponent.
What’s reported
Caoimhin Agyarko faces IBF light-middleweight champion Josh Kelly on Saturday in Saudi Arabia.
The fight is on the undercard of Anthony Joshua's return against Kristian Prenga in Jeddah.
Agyarko is 30 years old and started boxing at age seven.
He was born in London to an Irish mother and Ghanaian father, moving to west Belfast at age seven.
He trained at the Holy Trinity club in Belfast.
Agyarko turned professional in 2018.
In May 2017, he was slashed in an unprovoked attack in Belfast city centre, requiring emergency surgery.
He won a split decision over Ishmael Davis at Windsor Park in spring 2025.
A planned final eliminator against Brandon Adams in Las Vegas in April was canceled after Adams collapsed.
Kelly, 32, represented Team GB at the 2016 Rio Olympics and has 18 wins, one loss, and one draw in 20 fights.
Kelly won the IBF title by beating Bakhram Murtazaliev in February, knocking him down in round four but being dropped in the ninth.
Key figures
Caoimhin Agyarko, boxer from Belfast
Josh Kelly, IBF light-middleweight champion
Anthony Joshua, boxer
Kristian Prenga, boxer
Tommy McCarthy, Belfast boxer who became Ireland's first black European champion in 2020
Michael Hawkins Jr, club coach
Stephen Smith, former world title challenger
Michael Hawkins Sr, advisor
Anthony Cacace, two-time super-featherweight world champion
Lewis Crocker, former welterweight world champion
Carl Frampton, former world champion
Ryan Burnett, former world champion
Bakhram Murtazaliev, former champion
Brandon Adams, American boxer
Ishmael Davis, boxer
Troy Williamson, boxer
Sources: BBC News
