Kelly confident ahead of maiden IBF light-middleweight defence against Agyarko

Josh Kelly says he feels "it's a different version of me" after capturing the IBF world light-middleweight title and has vowed to "put on a show" in his first defence. The champion, who dethroned Bakhram Murtazaliev, will face Caoimhin Agyarko on Saturday.

Kelly carried the IBF world light-middleweight belt into the build-up after his victory over Bakhram Murtazaliev, and the upcoming contest marks his maiden defence of that crown. The bout against Caoimhin Agyarko comes as Kelly seeks to consolidate his place at the top of the division. Speaking ahead of the fight, Kelly used striking language to convey how the title win has changed him and set expectations for the event.

The champion framed his recent success as a turning point, saying "it's a different version of me" when describing his mindset since taking the belt from Bakhram Murtazaliev. That sense of transformation underpins his preparations for Saturday's match and informs the confidence he projects to fans and media. Kelly has emphasised entertainment as part of his approach, explicitly promising to "put on a show" when he defends the IBF strap.

Saturday's fight represents Kelly's first opportunity to defend the IBF world light-middleweight title he secured by defeating Bakhram Murtazaliev, and the champion has been unequivocal about his intent to perform. Caoimhin Agyarko is the challenger in that maiden defence, and the bout will test whether Kelly can carry the momentum of his title success into a sustained reign. Kelly's comments ahead of the contest have focused on a renewed version of himself and on delivering an engaging performance for supporters.

The narrative surrounding Kelly centres on his transition from contender to title-holder and now to defending champion, a progression he reflected on directly with the remark "it's a different version of me." By promising to "put on a show," he has signalled not only confidence but an expectation of an eventful defence. The upcoming meeting with Caoimhin Agyarko on Saturday will determine how that promise translates in the ring.

Kelly goes into Saturday's defence projecting self-assurance and a desire to validate his status after dethroning Bakhram Murtazaliev. The bout will be his first as the IBF world light-middleweight champion, and his stated intent is to both protect the title and provide an entertaining performance.