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Kelly Edges Agyarko to Retain IBF Super‑Welterweight Title

The narrow unanimous decision, decided after a referee point deduction and a deep nose cut to Kelly, leaves the champion poised for unification talks with Jaron Ennis.

Overview

  • Josh Kelly retained the IBF super‑welterweight title by unanimous decision on Saturday, July 25, 2026, with judges scoring the fight 115-112, 115-112 and 114-113.
  • Caoimhín Agyarko suffered the first defeat of his professional career, dropping to 18-1 after a close, hard‑fought 12 rounds in Jeddah.
  • The fight was physical and controversial with repeated head clashes that opened a severe gash on Kelly’s nose and a sixth‑round point deduction for Kelly for punches to the back of Agyarko’s head.
  • Promoter and in-ring comments after the bout signalled interest in a unification match for Kelly against WBA/WBO champion Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis, though medical clearance for Kelly’s cut will affect timing.
  • Agyarko framed the loss as heartbreak but vowed to return, while Kelly’s defence — following his January title win over Bakhram Murtazaliev — cements his standing and raises commercial unification possibilities on the global pay‑per‑view stage.