Josh Kelly Eyes Knockout of Caoimhin Agyarko to Silence Doubters

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Kelly won the IBF junior middleweight world title earlier this year, but the verdict divided opinion among fans. Murtazaliev pressed the action throughout much of the fight while Kelly spent long stretches circling the ring, landing brief flurries before moving again. Despite the criticism, Kelly insists his confidence has grown and says those closest to him noticed a significant change before he recognized it himself.

“My trainer Adam, he never blows smoke with people’s asses. He’s very black and white. He said to me, ‘There’s a change in you.’ I’m not sure you see it yet, but there’s definitely been a massive change in your training, your sparring, the choices you make during the fight. I feel I’ve just went up another level. The Meliia fight definitely put a lot of confidence in me,” Kelly said to talkSPORT Boxing.

Saturday gives Kelly an opportunity to support that belief. His performance against Murtazaliev left many doubtful because of the lack of sustained offense, making this defense another chance to produce a more convincing display.

Kelly believes the fight will end inside the distance.

“It’s no different here. I never overlook anyone, and this is the next step for me being able to unify the title. I’m taking this very seriously, and he should be worrying. I don’t think he’ll go the 12 rounds. I think he’ll be lying on his back and he’ll be out there,” Kelly said.

A stoppage would strengthen Kelly’s belief that he’s developed into a different fighter since winning the title. Another performance like the Murtazaliev fight would do little to persuade those who questioned that decision.