Agyarko to fight Kelly for IBF light-middleweight title
Image source, Getty ImagesCaoimhin Agyarko has won all 18 of his professional fights
- Published1 hour ago
Belfast's Caoimhin Agyarko will challenge Josh Kelly for the IBF light-middleweight title this summer.
Agyarko was set to take on the USA's Brandon Adams for the mandatory position at The Cosmopolitan, Las Vegas, in April, but the American was ruled unable to compete after collapsing prior to the weigh-in.
It left the undefeated 29-year-old fighter - perfect through 18 contests following last September's narrow points win over Ishmael Davis - waiting on a decision from the IBF as to whether he would automatically be installed as the mandatory challenger for Englishman Kelly (18-1-1).
The IBF instead ordered Agyarko to take on previous champion Bakhram Murtazaliev - who lost the title to Kelly on a majority points decision in January - to fight for the mandatory spot.
However, the Belfast man's team turned down that scenario, with Adams - who has since received medical clearance - stepping into that slot to take on the 33-year-old Russian.
Instead, Agyarko has been selected by southpaw Kelly as a voluntary defence.
The fight is set to take place this summer, possibly on the undercard of the heavyweight showdown between Anthony Joshua and Kristian Prenga in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on 25 July, but the Utility Arena in Newcastle in August is also an option.
An official announcement is expected next week.
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