Josh Kelly’s first defense of his IBF junior middleweight title is reportedly being targeted for the July 25 undercard of Anthony Joshua’s heavyweight clash with Kristian Prenga in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
BoxingScene’s Tom Ivers reported that Kelly (18-1, 9 KOs) is expected to face unbeaten contender Caoimhin Agyarko (18-0, 7 KOs), although the bout has yet to be officially announced. The potential matchup had surfaced previously, with the BBC reporting in May that Kelly and Agyarko were being lined up for a summer showdown. At the time, both the Joshua-Prenga card in Jeddah and a Newcastle date in August were identified as possible destinations.
If finalized, the fight would mark Kelly’s first appearance since capturing the IBF title in Newcastle on January 31. Kelly won a 12-round majority decision to claim the belt in a result that generated debate among some observers, who believed the defending champion had done enough to retain his title.
Agyarko enters the proposed title challenge unbeaten through 18 professional contests. The Irishman is currently rated No. 4 by the IBF at 154 pounds and would represent Kelly’s first voluntary defense as champion.
Neither fighter is known as a prolific puncher, with Kelly recording nine knockouts in 18 victories and Agyarko stopping seven of his 18 opponents. The stylistic pairing points toward a technical contest rather than an explosive shootout should the bout proceed as planned.
The Joshua-Prenga event is expected to feature several title bouts as organizers continue to build the July 25 card in Saudi Arabia. An official announcement regarding Kelly’s next defense has not yet been made.
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Last Updated on 2026/06/10 at 10:53 AM
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