Caoimhin Agyarko will attempt to make boxing history on Saturday when he challenges IBF light-middleweight champion Josh Kelly in Saudi Arabia.
The unbeaten Belfast fighter, who has won all 18 of his professional bouts, faces Kelly on the undercard of Anthony Joshua’s return against Kristian Prenga in Jeddah.
Agyarko told BBC Sport NI that his ambition remains to become Ireland’s first black world champion. He said he had already made history by becoming the first black Irishman to fight for a world title, but that winning the belt was the goal he had pursued since childhood.
Born in London to an Irish mother and Ghanaian father, Agyarko moved to west Belfast at the age of seven. He developed as a boxer at the Holy Trinity club, later winning Irish and Ulster honours as an amateur before turning professional in 2018.
His professional progress has included setbacks. After beating Troy Williamson in 2023, he endured a frustrating period with limited activity. In 2025, he recorded quick wins before edging Ishmael Davis by split decision at Windsor Park after being knocked down and suffering a swollen eye.
A planned final eliminator against Brandon Adams in Las Vegas was cancelled when Adams collapsed before the weigh-in. Although the IBF later ordered another eliminator against former champion Bakhram Murtazaliev, an agreement was reached for Agyarko to face Kelly.
Agyarko has also spoken about surviving an unprovoked attack in Belfast city centre in 2017, when he was slashed across the face and required emergency surgery. He told BBC Sport NI that difficult moments inside and outside the ring had strengthened his resilience.
Kelly, 32, represented Team GB at the Rio Olympics in 2016 and has won 18 of his 20 professional contests, with one defeat and one draw. He won the title against Murtazaliev in February, scoring a knockdown in round four before being dropped himself in the ninth.
Agyarko said he expects a demanding contest but believes his combination punching, power, speed and footwork can trouble Kelly. He said he does not intend to engage in a cautious technical contest and is looking forward to the challenge.
