Josh Kelly Eyes Knockout Of Caoimhin Agyarko To Silence Doubters

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Kelly won the IBF junior middleweight world title earlier this yr, but the decision divided opinion amongst fans. Murtazaliev pressed the motion throughout much of the fight while Kelly spent long stretches circling the ring, landing temporary flurries before moving again. Despite the criticism, Kelly insists his confidence has grown and says those closest to him noticed a major 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 undecided you see it yet, but there’s definitely been an enormous change in your training, your sparring, the alternatives you make through the fight. I feel I’ve just went up one other level. The Meliia fight definitely put a number of confidence in me,” Kelly said to talkSPORT Boxing.

Saturday gives Kelly a possibility to support that belief. His performance against Murtazaliev left many doubtful due to lack of sustained offense, making this defense one other likelihood to provide a more convincing display.

Kelly believes the fight will end inside the gap.

“It’s no different here. I never overlook anyone, and that is the subsequent step for me having the ability to unify the title. I’m taking this very seriously, and he needs to be worrying. I don’t think he’ll go the 12 rounds. I believe he’ll be lying on his back and he’ll be on the market,” Kelly said.

A stoppage would strengthen Kelly’s belief that he’s developed into a special fighter since winning the title. One other performance just like the Murtazaliev fight would do little to steer those that questioned that call.