AN injury to short-notice merchant Ishmael Davis has led to a remarkable role reversal, with unbeaten contender Caoimhin Agyarko stepping in to face Ryan Kelly.
Davis, 13-2 (6 KOs), whose last two outings against Serhii Bohachuk and Josh Kelly both came via a late-notice phone call, was supposed to return to action on April 19.
But despite earning himself a full training camp this time around, the 30-year-old has ultimately been forced to withdraw from his upcoming clash with Kelly, 19-5-1 (8 KOs).
Instead, Agyarko, 16-0 (7 KOs), has been drafted in on just 10 days’ notice to collide with the spindly technician at the Park Community Arena in Sheffield, England.
But while the awkward style of Kelly may present him with a series of hurdles, it is not as if Agyarko has peeled himself off the couch ahead of their super-welterweight contest.
As it happens, the 28-year-old returned to the ring against Harley Collison at the end of last month, flooring his opponent en route to a comfortable eight-round victory on points.
Before that, the explosive Irishman went toe-to-toe with Troy Williamson back in 2023, emerging from their enthralling 10-round dustup with split decision win.
Since then, though, a lack of opportunities saw Agyarko’s working relationship with Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn come to an end, albeit on amicable terms, while his promising career remained somewhat stagnant.
But with ‘Black Thunder’ seizing his opportunity to face Kelly with both hands, perhaps this could represent the beginning of a new chapter for the talented operator.
In any case, his upcoming assignment will feature on a Matchroom Boxing card headlined by Dalton Smith, who looks to extend his unbeaten record against Mathieu Germain.
