Caoimhin Agyarko is looking to make the most of the opportunity to fight on a high-profile card as he takes on super-welterweight prospect Ryan Kelly in Sheffield on Saturday night.
The unbeaten Belfast fighter enjoyed his 16th consecutive victory since turning professional in March, beating Harley Collison at York Hall in what was considered a stay-ready fight.
And Agyarko was then quick to step in to take this weekend's fight at very short notice following the withdrawal of Ishmael Davis due to injury.
The former Irish amateur champion is now looking to make an impression on a Matchroom card, having previously enjoyed a promotional deal with Eddie Hearn’s high-profile boxing stable.
"I’ve just got to go in there on Saturday night and show everyone what they’ve been missing, and show Matchroom what they’ve been missing," said Agyarko.
"I think Ryan is a good fighter and he’s been in with top lads. He’s been in with top lads, but he’s come up short.
"He’s campaigned at middleweight, and it probably wasn’t the right weight for him. I’ve campaigned at middleweight and moved down, [so] I think you’ll get a good fight on Saturday night."
Agyarko is hoping that the victory will kick-start his quest to become world champion following a low-key 2024; his last fight of note came in December 2023 when he defeated Troy Williamson in Belfast.
Tomorrow’s fight takes place on the undercard of the WBC super-lightweight contest between local favourite Dalton Smith who is up against Canada’s Mathieu Germain at the Canon Medical Arena in Sheffield.
"You know me, always classy never trashy. I’ll come up here and I’ll always respect my opponents but when you get in there with me on Saturday night it’s strictly business," said the Belfast native.
"I respect every opponent that I face. He would have been preparing for a great fight with Ishmael Davis so I know he’s had a good camp.
"I’m ranked at number five in the world, and I’m ranked that for a reason."
Agyarko’s opponent, Kelly, admits that he will have to adapt having trained in camp for the Davis fight, however, he is confident that he will be able to showcase his talent in the lighter weight class.
"I think it makes for a great fight regardless," said Kelly. "We prepared for Ishmael Davis and he’s a different fighter. Nevertheless, we’re prepared; we’ve had great sparring, southpaw and orthodox. We’re fully prepared, we’re prepared for anyone.
"I’ve been in the ring now thousands of times and fought all different shapes and sizes. You have to adapt and that’s what I’ll do. I’m a fighter.
"I think you’re definitely going to see the best Ryan Kelly at 154. I’ve been holding my own at 160 but they’re big guys, they’re massive. It’s time for me to be more dominant and be the bigger man."
