IN the co-main event of Saturday’s Crocker-Donovan 2 card, Ishmael Davis and Caoimhin Agyarko meet in a clash between two super-welterweights on the cusp of the world stage.
Davis, 13-2 (6 KOs), has received plaudits for his willingness to fight top opposition despite consecutive losses, with both of his outings within the last 12 months coming as a late-notice replacement.
Davis first stepped in for Liam Smith at short notice, agreeing to take on Josh Kelly at Wembley Stadium on the Joshua-Dubois card last September, where he came within a round of pulling off the upset.
After being second-best in the first half of the fight, a late surge from Davis pushed Kelly close but suffered a majority-decision loss (115-113, 115-114, 114-114), that could easily have gone the other way. Although, many fans felt as though Kelly’s display merited a wider win.
Just three months later, Davis stepped in on fight week again, replacing Israil Madrimov for a scrap with former WBC interim champion Serhii Bohachuk. However, this time around, Davis was outmatched and stopped after six rounds.
Meanwhile, Caoimhin Agyarko, 17-0 (7 KOs), is another 154lb contender who has been searching for opportunities, but the Belfast-based contender has struggled for space in the spotlight despite his undefeated record.
After overcoming Troy Williamson in late 2023, Agyarko and Matchroom Boxing parted ways. The Irishman proceeded to box in two low-profile eight-rounders. Yet, he returned to a Matchroom card and earned a short contract earlier this year when he trumped Ryan Kelly by majority-decision.
‘Black Thunder’ now seeks to prove his quality and ensure further fights on the big stage, but he enters this 12-round affair as the underdog, regardless of his superior record.
Here, Boxing News takes a look at how Davis could secure a career-best triumph and how Agyarko could maintain his unbeaten slate.
Ishmael Davis – Keys to victory
Disrupt the rhythm
Davis’ lack of amateur pedigree could prove costly, particularly if he allows Agyarko – a six-time national champion who represented Ireland at the World and European Championships – to get into his rhythm.
As a result, it is important for Davis to keep Agyarko guessing throughout and remain unpredictable.
One way that ‘Black Panther’ has shown he can do this previously is by regularly switching stances and we expect that to be a key part of the plan on Saturday night.
Make Agyarko work early
Despite stepping in on six days’ notice, Davis had the superior gas tank against Kelly and had the Sunderland-born operator buzzed in the final round.
Like Kelly, Agyarko is comfortable boxing off the back foot but has run into trouble when pressed. If Davis can stay on the front foot and keep the fight at close quarters, the Irishman is the more likely to run out of steam down the stretch and with full preparation, Davis could capitalise and close the show in the latter stages.
Get physical
Similarly, if Davis allows this contest to be determined by technical skills, his inferior amateur background will likely see him come up short.
Instead, it’s important for Davis to rough Agyarko up from the get-go, make this a fight and test the chin of Agyarko with his underrated punch power.
Four of Davis’ last five victories have come inside of the distance, and he caught the tough Bohachuk early with a brutal shot that would have stopped less hardened opponents.
If he can stay on Agyarko’s toes, outmuscle his foe and land a similar blow, it’s likely that he can get the victory without requiring help from the judges.
Caoimhin Agyarko – Keys to victory
Start strong
Regardless of the context of Davis’s last two showings, the reality is that he has not won a fight in 18 months and has suffered back-to-back defeats.
Doubts, therefore, may creep into Davis’s head and a strong start that establishes Agyarko as the superior operator could set the tone for a one-sided performance, if he is able to get into his groove early on.
The jab
One of Agyarko’s best assets is his speedy jab, a fundamental skill required of any successful amateur that Davis somewhat lacks.
Against Kelly, the Davis jab seemed to be missing and Agyarko will be hopeful that it is neglected once more and even if it isn’t, he will back himself to win the ever-crucial ‘battle of the jab’.
By constantly firing out the left-hand Agyarko should be able to control the distance and maintain the necessary range to deter Davis away from his stalking approach.
Conserve Energy
Although a strong start is important for Agyarko, he needs to retain energy to finish well, with a stoppage win unlikely.
Therefore, using the jab and his feet, the bookies underdog must ensure that he is winning the early rounds without working overly hard. Attempt to fight at a low tempo and get out of harm’s way after landing, but still doing enough to outperform Davis in the opening stages.
