Kelly retains IBF light-middleweight title over Agyarko

Josh Kelly successfully defended his IBF light-middleweight world title with a narrow unanimous decision victory over Belfast challenger Caoimhín Agyarko in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday, July 25, 2026. The judges scored the contest 114-113, 115-112, and 115-112 in favor of the champion after a grueling 12-round battle that saw momentum dramatically shift.

Kelly, from Sunderland, England, controlled the early rounds with superior speed, movement, and sharp combinations, building a significant lead. The complexion of the fight changed in the sixth round, however, when referee Ignatius Missailidis deducted a point from Kelly for repeated punches to the back of Agyarko's head. The penalty energized the challenger, who began to close the distance and land with increasing success, cutting Kelly under the left eye and later on the bridge of his nose.

Agyarko, 29, fought with renewed purpose in the second half, launching furious two-handed attacks that left the champion bloodied and marked under both eyes. Despite the spirited comeback, Kelly dug deep in the championship rounds, landing cleaner work and crucial combinations to secure the win. After the final bell, both fighters...