In a recent turn of events, the team behind Belfast’s rising star, Caoimhin Agyarko, is vigorously campaigning for their fighter to be named the mandatory challenger for the IBF light middleweight title. The push comes after a dramatic cancellation of Agyarko’s final eliminator bout against Brandon Adams, which was set to take place at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas.
The highly anticipated match was called off at the last minute when Adams collapsed just before the weigh-in and was subsequently rushed to the hospital. While the exact cause of Adams’ collapse remains unconfirmed, the 36-year-old was immediately withdrawn from the fight. Team Agyarko expressed their concerns for Adams’ well-being and wished him a speedy recovery.
However, the team is now looking to move forward and has set their sights on a world title shot against current IBF light middleweight champion Josh Kelly. Agyarko’s manager, Paul Ready, is making a strong case to the IBF, arguing that it is uncertain whether Adams will be able to make the 154-pound weight limit again in the future.
“It’s not unfair to say Brandon Adams can’t make 154 [pounds] again, so we aren’t ready to gamble if that is possible in the future,” Ready stated. “We’d love to jump in and fight Josh Kelly next and I’ll lobby that to the IBF and Daryl Peoples so that’s our position.”
Ready also pointed out a precedent where IBF welterweight champion Lewis Crocker inherited his mandatory challenge after an injury withdrawal. In that instance, Liam Paro secured a world title shot when ‘The Real Deal’ had to pull out due to injury. Ready believes the IBF should maintain consistency and order Kelly to face Agyarko next.
“I’ve put a very strong case forward and fired an email to Josh Kelly’s promoters, so let’s see what happens,” Ready said. “We’re strongly pushing that position now, but hopefully Caoimhin gets some luck and vindication.”
The situation has sparked discussions within the boxing community about the fairness and consistency of mandatory challenger rulings. As Team Agyarko awaits the IBF’s decision, the focus remains on securing a world title shot for their fighter, who has shown immense dedication and promise in his career.
This development adds another layer of intrigue to the light middleweight division, with fans eagerly awaiting the IBF’s response and the potential showdown between Agyarko and Kelly. The boxing world will be watching closely as this story unfolds, hoping for a resolution that brings clarity and excitement to the division.
Team_TBE Boxing
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