Jeddah, Saudi Arabia — Josh Kelly, the reigning IBF Super Welterweight World Champion, defends his title tonight against the undefeated Irish challenger Caoimhin Agyarko. This 12-round championship bout is a featured attraction on the undercard of the Anthony Joshua versus Kristian Prenga heavyweight clash at the Jeddah Superdome, a significant event in the boxing world today, July 25, 2026.
Fans worldwide are set to watch via DAZN Pay-Per-View. Kelly, at 32, aims for his first successful title defense, while 29-year-old Agyarko looks to claim his inaugural world title and maintain his flawless professional record.
Kelly’s first defense since January title win
Josh Kelly, who hails from Sunderland, England, steps into the ring with a professional record of 18-1-1, including nine knockouts. His path to the IBF Super Welterweight title culminated in January 2026, when he secured a majority decision victory over Bakhram Murtazaliev at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle, United Kingdom.
That win marked a significant upturn for Kelly, who also knocked out Flavius Biea in the first round in June 2025. He’d previously secured a majority decision against Ishmael Davis in September 2024, demonstrating consistent form ahead of his title shot.
Kelly, an orthodox fighter, stands 5′ 10″ tall with a 72″ reach. His athleticism and technical acumen have earned him a reputation as one of Britain’s most talented boxers, and he’ll need every bit of it against his determined challenger.
Undefeated Agyarko targets maiden world title
Caoimhin Agyarko, representing Northern Ireland but based in Croydon, London, brings an unblemished record of 18-0 with seven knockouts to this championship contest. The 29-year-old is currently ranked number four by the IBF in the 154lb division, having made his professional debut in 2018.
Agyarko’s recent performances highlight his readiness for this world-level challenge. He secured a split decision against Ishmael Davis in September 2025 at Windsor Park, Belfast, and earned a majority decision win over Ryan Kelly in April 2025.
His orthodox stance and a slight height and reach advantage over Kelly create an intriguing stylistic matchup. This fight represents the biggest opportunity of Agyarko’s career, offering him the chance to transform his undefeated status into global championship gold.
Jeddah Superdome hosts major boxing night
The IBF Super Welterweight championship bout takes place at the impressive Jeddah Superdome in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This modern venue, which opened in 2021, boasts a seating capacity of 40,000 and has become a prominent location for major boxing events.
It previously hosted Anthony Joshua’s world title fight against Oleksandr Usyk in 2022. The event is part of a star-studded main card, promising a full evening of boxing action for fans tuning in from around the globe.
Revised fight order and viewing details
The main card for the evening has a critical change in the fight order, with some adjustments from initial reports. While the Kelly-Agyarko encounter remains a central feature, it now follows another key title bout.
The full main card begins with Nishant Dev taking on Cesar Diaz, followed by Jacob Bank versus Pawel August. Reito Tsutsumi then fights Alvino Herrera Meza. After these preliminary bouts, fans will see Hamzah Sheeraz battle Simon Zachenhuber for the WBO Super Middleweight Title.
The Josh Kelly vs Caoimhin Agyarko fight is slated to follow, with Anthony Joshua vs. Kristian Prenga headlining the night. Approximate ring walk for Kelly vs. Agyarko is 8:37 PM Irish time (8:00 PM BST).
Betting odds favor defending champion Kelly
Bookmakers have largely installed Josh Kelly as the favourite in this super welterweight clash. As of July 24, 2026, betting odds show Kelly at -400 on BetMGM and -440 on FanDuel Sportsbook, while Agyarko is listed at +330 and +340 respectively.
These figures suggest an estimated 79% chance of Kelly winning, compared to Agyarko’s 21%. Both fighters possess notable knockout percentages, with Kelly at 50% and Agyarko at 39%, hinting at the potential for a decisive finish.
While the odds reflect Kelly’s experience and championship status, Agyarko’s undefeated record makes him a dangerous underdog. He’s definitely looking to upset those predictions in Saudi Arabia, echoing historic moments like when Oleksandr Usyk fought Rico Verhoeven.
What a win means for Kelly or Agyarko
The stakes couldn’t be higher for both Josh Kelly and Caoimhin Agyarko. For Kelly, a successful first defense would cement his status as a world champion and likely open doors to more lucrative unification fights.
Promoter Eddie Hearn has already indicated that a major unification bout, possibly against a formidable opponent like Sebastian Fundora, could be on Kelly’s horizon should he retain his IBF title. Such a matchup would elevate his profile significantly within the super welterweight division.
For Agyarko, victory would be transformative. Overcoming an established champion to claim his first world title would launch him into superstardom, immediately positioning him as a major contender in the 154lb landscape and setting up compelling future matchups as a newly crowned champion.
This fight isn’t merely a title defense; it’s about career trajectories and future opportunities. The winner will undoubtedly pursue bigger challenges and richer prizes in a division already packed with talent. The outcome will significantly reshape the immediate future of the super welterweight class.
