Josh Kelly has declared that his upcoming IBF light‑middleweight title defense against Caoimhin Agyarko will be a "spiteful" affair when the two meet in Saudi Arabia on Saturday. The bout is slated to appear on the undercard of Anthony Joshua’s much‑anticipated return to the ring, where he will face Kristian Prenga at the Jeddah Superdome. Kelly, a native of Sunderland, captured the IBF crown in January with a decisive victory over Bakhram Murtazaliev.
In a candid interview with Sky Sports, the new champion explained how the belt has altered his mindset and boosted his confidence heading into the clash with Agyarko, who hails from Belfast. "Winning the title has given me a kind of inner gold‑value that’s hard to describe," Kelly said, reflecting on his triumph over Murtazaliev. "People around me keep telling me I look different now – they can see the change. Those closest to me watch me train every day, and they see a shift in my demeanor." He went on to describe the psychological impact of becoming a world champion as "a crazy experience" that touches every facet of his being – spiritually, energetically, and motivationally.
"It lifts a huge weight off my shoulders. I can finally relax a little, let the reins go, and enjoy the sport I love," he added.
When asked about the mental preparation required for a title defense, Kelly emphasized belief and execution. "First you have to believe in yourself.
Then, when you step into the ring and complete the task, the belief turns into knowledge." Agyarko’s path to this fight was not straightforward. He was originally booked to fight Brandon Adams in an IBF final eliminator scheduled for April, but Adams collapsed before the weigh‑in and was forced to withdraw.
Rather than ordering a new eliminator between Agyarko and Murtazaliev, the IBF granted Kelly the option of a voluntary first defense, and the two camps quickly arranged the showdown. "We know each other, but he’s just another opponent," Kelly remarked about Agyarko.
"He’s a stepping stone on my journey to make more history. It’s not about him; it’s about me." Agyarko’s most recent bout was a hard‑fought split‑decision win over Ishmael Davis in December, while Kelly has compiled an eight‑fight winning streak since his sole professional loss to David Avanesyan in 2021, including the title‑winning performance against Murtazaliev. Kelly warned that complacency would have no place in his camp. "There’s no other fight that matters right now except this one.
I’ve never taken anyone lightly. In fact, I tend to over‑estimate my opponents – I picture them as the fastest, hardest‑hitting fighters to make sure I’m prepared for anything," he explained. He also hinted at his broader ambitions within the sport.
"I’m looking to do bigger and better things in boxing. This is a dangerous time for anyone to face me because I have nothing to lose.
I’m going to step into that ring, have fun, and put on a real spectacle. It’s going to be entertaining, it’s going to be spiteful." The fight carries additional significance because it will be part of the high‑profile event headlined by Joshua’s comeback, a night that promises to draw global attention to the Jeddah Superdome. For Kelly, the exposure is a chance to cement his status as a dominant force in the light‑middleweight division and to showcase the confidence that his championship has instilled.
Beyond the immediate stakes, the bout also offers a glimpse into the evolving landscape of boxing in the Middle East, where promoters are increasingly staging marquee events that attract top‑tier talent. Kelly’s willingness to travel to Saudi Arabia and embrace the spotlight underscores the sport’s expanding geographic reach.
In preparation for the fight, Kelly has been intensifying his training regimen, focusing on sharpening his speed, power, and defensive instincts. He emphasizes that his camp is paying close attention to Agyarko’s style – a technically sound boxer with a solid jab and respectable footwork – to devise a game plan that exploits any potential weaknesses. "I respect Agyarko’s skill set, but I’m not here to be respectful. I’m here to dominate," Kelly said.
"I’ll bring the aggression, the precision, and the heart that earned me this belt, and I’ll make sure the world sees why I belong at the top." Fans can expect a high‑octane encounter, with Kelly promising to unleash his full arsenal and leave no doubt about his championship credentials. As the countdown to Saturday ticks down, the boxing community watches with anticipation, eager to see whether Kelly’s newfound confidence translates into a decisive, "spiteful" performance that could define his reign as IBF light‑middleweight champion.