Josh Kelly Targets Unification After Caoimhin Agyarko Title Defense

The IBF junior middleweight champion says his mindset has changed since winning the title but insists Saturday’s defense in Jeddah comes before any talks of Jaron Ennis.

Josh Kelly says winning the IBF junior middleweight title has given him a new level of confidence, but he insists his attention remains on Saturday’s title defense against Caoimhin Agyarko. The champion says unification fights and a potential clash with Jaron Ennis can wait until after he handles his immediate assignment.

“This is prime time. This is my time. This is the year for me. I’m going to unify these titles,” Kelly said during an interview with Sky Sports.

“Everything just looks different. You don’t know what something like this does. Spiritually, energetic, motivation-wise, everything. It’s another level.”

“It’s actually took a lot of expectation off. Now I can just let loose and enjoy everything. I’ve already done what people said I couldn’t do. It’s a dangerous time to face me because I’ve got literally nothing to lose.”

Although Kelly spoke confidently about his future, he dismissed any suggestion that he was overlooking Agyarko.

He described the unbeaten challenger as another obstacle that must be cleared before bigger opportunities arrive and stressed that he has never underestimated an opponent. Kelly explained that he often builds rivals up in his own mind before fights to make sure his preparation stays sharp, adding that his complete focus remains on Saturday night’s title defense.

Kelly also sidestepped questions about a future clash with Jaron Ennis, despite previously agreeing to face the American.

“I’m going to answer that question after this win.”

Victory would keep Kelly on course for the unification fights he wants, but first he must get through a motivated Agyarko, who believes Kelly’s desire to make a statement will create opportunities once the opening bell rings.

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