CAOIMHIN AGYARKO remains fully focused on Ishmael Davis, his next opponent, but equally acknowledges that a series of opportunities, perhaps leading him closer towards a world title shot, could emerge soon after their encounter on September 13.
The pair will square off in an appetising super-welterweight contest at Windsor Park, Belfast, with Agyarko, 17-0 (7 KOs), claiming a home advantage on the undercard of Lewis Crocker vs Paddy Donovan 2.
But regardless of that edge, the 28-year-old remains fiercely confident in his ability; so much so that, without taking his eye off the ball, he has begun to delve deeper into the not-too-distant future.
That future, however, might not have appeared so bright at the beginning of this year, back when Agyarko, following a frustrating spell of inactivity, was struggling to secure even a semi-meaningful fight.
Submerged in the shrubbery that dominates boxing’s wilderness, it seemed that many had forgotten all about the talented technician until, from out of nowhere, he landed himself an assignment against Ryan Kelly in April.
And oddly enough, it was Davis, 13-2 (6 KOs) – the usual short-notice merchant – who presented him with that opportunity.
Indeed, an injury to ‘The Black Panther’ saw Agyarko emerge as a late replacement, while nonetheless possessing enough gas in the tank to outpoint Kelly through 10 rounds.
More encouraging still, ‘Black Thunder’ now boasts a lofty fourth-place ranking with the WBA and, with a win over Davis, could soon rise even higher.
“I beat Ishmael Davis, and I’m within touching distance of a world title,” Agyarko told Boxing News.
“I think there might be another [secondary] belt on the line for September 13, so that should move me up the [WBA] rankings even more.
“I’m not looking too far ahead, but Abass Baraou just got a good win, and he’s someone that I was chasing for the European title. I might now be chasing him for the WBA ‘interim’ title.”
Sure enough, Baraou produced a mightily impressive performance last week, utilising his industrious style to outwork pre-fight favourite Yoenis Tellez.
In doing so, the 30-year-old seized his opponent’s black and gold ‘interim’ belt and, as soon as Terence Crawford steps into the ring against Canelo Alvarez on September 13, will be ordered to face Jermell Charlo for the all-singing, all-dancing WBA strap.
But equally, with that fight appearing unlikely to get made, Baraou could instead be upgraded to full WBA champion.
“I actually didn’t watch the fight [with Tellez],” Agyarko admitted, “but what you see is what you get with Abass Baraou. He’s strong, full of grit, has a lot of heart and a good chin – he comes to fight.
“I’ve sparred many rounds with him in the past, so I know what he’s all about, and he’s a very good fighter, but somebody that I believe I would beat.”
It goes without saying that a showdown between Agyarko and Baraou, especially with a world title on the line, could suddenly make an enormous amount of sense in a few weeks’ time.
That said, Agyarko must first get past Davis who, more than likely, will be eager to trample all over his rival’s ambitions at world level.
