Josh Kelly has declared that his upcoming IBF light‑middleweight title defence against Caoimhin Agyarko will be a "spiteful" affair, as the two fighters prepare to meet in Saudi Arabia this Saturday. The bout will be featured on the undercard of Anthony Joshua’s highly anticipated comeback against Kristian Prenga, taking place at the Jeddah Superdome. Kelly, a native of Sunderland, captured the IBF crown in January when he stopped Bakhram Murtazaliev.
After that victory, he told Sky Sports that wearing the champion’s belt has infused him with a new level of confidence heading into the clash with Belfast‑born Agyarko. "What the belt has done for me inside is priceless," Kelly explained, reflecting on his win over Murtazaliev.
"It’s a strange feeling – everyone around me keeps saying I look different now. Those closest to me see me train every day and notice the change." He continued, "It’s a wild experience.
You can’t really predict how something like this transforms you spiritually, energetically, and in terms of motivation. It has lifted a huge amount of pressure off my shoulders. Now I can relax, let my guard down a bit and simply enjoy the journey." Kelly summed up his mindset with a simple mantra: "First you have to believe, and once you achieve the goal, you truly know it." Agyarko’s original opponent for the final eliminator was supposed to be Brandon Adams, but Adams collapsed before the weigh‑in and was forced to withdraw.
Rather than ordering a new eliminator with Murtazaliev, the IBF granted Kelly a voluntary first defence and a deal was struck for him to face Agyarko. When asked about his Irish challenger, Kelly was candid: "We know each other, but he’s just another opponent. He’s a stepping stone on my road to making more history. This isn’t about him; it’s about me." Agyarko’s most recent fight was a narrow split‑decision win over Ishmael Davis in December.
Kelly, meanwhile, has compiled a streak of eight consecutive victories – including his title‑winning performance against Murtazaliev – since suffering his only professional loss to David Avanesyan in 2021. "There’s no room for complacency," Kelly warned. "This is the only fight that matters right now.
I’ve never taken anyone lightly. In fact, I tend to over‑estimate my opponents, picturing them as the fastest, hardest‑hitting guys." He added, "I’m aiming for bigger and better things in boxing, and right now it’s a dangerous time to step into the ring with me because I have nothing to lose. I’m going to walk in, have fun, and put on an absolute spectacle. It’s going to be entertaining, it’s going to be spiteful." The upcoming contest carries additional significance because it is part of a larger push to bring high‑profile boxing to the Middle East.
The Jeddah Superdome has become a focal point for the sport’s expansion, and Joshua’s return headline bout is designed to attract global attention. Kelly’s fight, therefore, is not only a personal milestone but also a piece of a broader strategy to showcase emerging talent on a world stage. In preparation for the fight, Kelly has spoken about the mental shift that comes with being a champion. He described the belt as a catalyst that altered his internal dialogue, allowing him to shed the doubts that once lingered after his loss to Avanesyan.
"It’s like a weight has been lifted," he said. "I can now focus on the pure joy of boxing rather than the fear of making a mistake." The "spiteful" descriptor Kelly used is meant to convey a blend of aggression and confidence. He wants to make it clear that he will not hold back, that he intends to dominate the encounter with a level of intensity that reflects his newfound belief.
This attitude is echoed by his training camp, which has emphasized high‑tempo sparring and sharpening his counter‑punching abilities to exploit any openings Agyarko might present. Agyarko, for his part, remains a dangerous adversary. His split‑decision win over Davis demonstrated his resilience and ability to adapt mid‑fight.
He is known for a solid jab and a gritty work ethic, traits that could test Kelly’s resolve. However, Kelly’s statements suggest he views any challenge as an opportunity to further cement his status as a rising star in the division.
Both fighters will step into the ring under the bright lights of the Jeddah Superdome, with a global audience watching via streaming platforms and traditional broadcasters. The event is expected to draw significant viewership, especially given Joshua’s headline appearance, and Kelly’s bout is positioned as a key attraction for fans eager to see the next generation of talent. In summary, Kelly approaches the fight with a mixture of confidence, gratitude for his championship status, and a desire to deliver an exciting, "spiteful" performance.
Agyarko, meanwhile, seeks to prove that his recent victories are not a fluke and that he can contend with a newly crowned champion. The clash promises to be a compelling chapter in the light‑middleweight division, offering both fighters a chance to solidify their legacies and entertain a worldwide audience.