Unfinished business. Josh Kelly and Caoimhín Agyarko clash again on July 25, 2026, at the Jeddah Superdome in a 12-round rematch for the IBF World Junior Middleweight Championship. Their first meeting was a hard-fought, competitive affair that ended with Kelly taking the verdict — but Agyarko never accepted the result as definitive. Now the Belfast man gets his shot at revenge, and Kelly must prove his world-title credentials beyond any doubt. Two proud, uncompromising fighters. One belt. No excuses.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Date | July 25, 2026 |
| Venue | Jeddah Superdome, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia |
| Division | Junior Middleweight / Super Welterweight (154 lbs) |
| Scheduled Rounds | 12 |
| Titles | IBF World Junior Middleweight Championship |
| Broadcaster | DAZN PPV |
Josh Kelly — “Pretty Boy” from Sunderland — is one of the most technically refined fighters produced by North East England in a generation. The 31-year-old stands 5’10” (178 cm) with an orthodox stance, and his ring IQ has always been his defining asset: the ability to control range, pick angles, and outwork opponents who believe raw aggression can compensate for the deficit in skill. His record of 19-1-1 and 13 knockouts reflects a fighter who can end fights as well as win them on the scorecards. The IBF belt is the culmination of a long-term project. Defending it against Agyarko is the next chapter.
Nationality: British 🇬🇧 | Age: 31 | Stance: Orthodox | Height: 5’10” (178 cm)
Record going in: 19-1-1 (13 KOs, 68%)
| Result | Opponent | Method | Round |
|---|---|---|---|
| W | Caoimhín Agyarko | UD | 12 |
| W | Title Eliminator | TKO | 8 |
| W | Contender | UD | 12 |
| L | David Avanesyan | TKO | 6 |
| W | Opponent | UD | 10 |
Caoimhín Agyarko — “Black Thunder” from Belfast — is the mandatory challenger with a point to prove. The 28-year-old stands 5’11” (181 cm) — an inch taller than Kelly — and carries the kind of pressure-fighter mentality forged in the Irish amateur system. His 18-1-0 record is an almost entirely unblemished canvas, with his one loss coming in their first encounter. Agyarko fought Kelly hard that night; the data showed a closer contest than the cards suggested. He returns here believing he’s better for the experience, sharper in his preparation, and ready to become a world champion.
Nationality: Irish 🇮🇪 | Age: 28 | Stance: Orthodox | Height: 5’11” (181 cm)
Record going in: 18-1-0 (12 KOs, 67%)
| Result | Opponent | Method | Round |
|---|---|---|---|
| L | Josh Kelly | UD | 12 |
| W | Mandatory Eliminator | UD | 10 |
| W | Contender | TKO | 7 |
| W | Opponent | UD | 10 |
| W | Opponent | TKO | 6 |
| Kelly | Agyarko | |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 31 | 28 |
| Height | 5’10” (178 cm) | 5’11” (181 cm) |
| Stance | Orthodox | Orthodox |
| Record | 19-1-1 | 18-1-0 |
| KOs | 13 (68%) | 12 (67%) |
The first fight between these two offered the boxing world a compelling case study in contrasting styles. Kelly — the technician — used his jab to maintain range and keep Agyarko’s pressure at bay, picking his shots and landing the cleaner combinations throughout. Agyarko — the pressure fighter — was relentless in his work rate, throwing in volume and looking for the opening that would let his right hand do the damage. On the night, Kelly’s precision edged the volume on the judges’ cards.
Round two is a different calculation. Agyarko, having studied the first fight frame-by-frame, is a faster, more educated version of the challenger. He’ll look to cut off the ring more efficiently and get Kelly onto the ropes earlier. Kelly’s response will be to double the jab output and stay disciplined about not engaging in exchanges where Agyarko’s work rate becomes a problem. The height advantage — Agyarko’s inch over Kelly — matters when the fight gets tight on the inside.
This is a genuine 50-50 rematch in the eyes of the game’s most objective analysts. The Boxing Data platform shows their punch stats from fight one were remarkably level, with Kelly’s accuracy edge the decisive factor.
Josh Kelly:
Caoimhín Agyarko:
Rematches are unpredictable, and this one is closer than most bookmakers’ lines suggest. But the data from fight one is instructive: Kelly’s accuracy, his jab frequency, and his footwork were the decisive margins. Agyarko will be better-prepared — he’s a year younger and a motivated mandatory challenger — but Kelly has the championship experience now and the technical edge that gave him the verdict before. Expect another 12-round war that comes down to the championship rounds, with Kelly finding his best boxing when it matters most.
Our Pick: Josh Kelly UD (Close — Split Decision Not Unlikely)
Odds: Kelly approx. -180 / Agyarko +150
| Country | Broadcaster | Start Time |
|---|---|---|
| Global | DAZN PPV | TBC |
Part of the Joshua vs Prenga undercard in Jeddah. Expected ring walk mid-card, Saudi evening time (UTC+3).
Kelly vs Agyarko 2 is part of a stacked night of boxing at the Jeddah Superdome:
When is Kelly vs Agyarko 2? July 25, 2026, at the Jeddah Superdome, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
What title is on the line? The IBF World Junior Middleweight (Super Welterweight) Championship at 154 lbs.
Who won their first fight? Josh Kelly won the first fight by unanimous decision, claiming the IBF title. Agyarko returns as the mandatory challenger.
What are the odds? Kelly is the slight favourite at approximately -180, with Agyarko at +150 reflecting the closeness of this rematch.
How can I watch? Live on DAZN PPV globally as part of the Joshua vs Prenga card.
Is Kelly’s title on the line? Yes — Kelly’s IBF World Junior Middleweight title is on the line in a mandatory defence against Agyarko.
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