Caoimhín Agyarko eyes history as first black Irish world champion

Michael Bolton

With an 18-0 record in boxing, ranked fourth in the WBA rankings and on the verge of a title shot, Caoimhín Agyarko is in a great position.

In the co-main event in Belfast earlier this month, he defeated Ishmael Davis at Windsor Park in what was arguably the night’s most entertaining fight.

It was a huge night for Irish boxing, with Lewis Crocker becoming world champion after his split-decision victory over Paddy Donovan to win the IBF welterweight title.

Speaking to BreakingNews.ie, Agyarko said he hopes nights like this can continue.

"It is great to be part of history and fight on an all-Irish card for a world title. To see big shows like this back home is amazing.

"There is a lot of talk about Irish fighters who should be getting their opportunity. Hopefully, we can keep bringing big shows back to Belfast and Ireland."

After witnessing an Irish fighter win a world title, Agyarko could be the next boxer to get his shot at gold.

Currently the WBA International super-welterweight champion, he believes he has shown what he is capable of.

"I am well ranked with the WBA, so after that fight it leaves me within touching distance of fighting for a world title.

"I have shown the promoters I can sell tickets and put on a big fight for the fans, so there is no reason why I can't start headlining my own shows back home.

"There have been small talks, nothing set in stone yet. We are looking at maybe January or February. Hopefully, it can push me closer to a world title.

"I believe this is exactly where I deserve to be. The young 12-year-old Caoimhín would have bitten your hand off to be in the position I am in right now."

A world title would mean a lot outside the ring for Agyarko, who took up the sport to cope with problems growing up.

Having watched his uncle box, he saw how the sport could help him in other aspects of life.

"I think I was always an angry kid, so boxing was a way I could let out a bit of anger and frustration.

"I was able to release that anger and tension. It also taught me discipline and dedication.

"No matter how angry I was, being able to be disciplined and control it helped me. Not only does it keep you healthy, it teaches you a lot about life."

Born in London to an Irish mother and a Ghanaian father, Agyarko has always held the ambition to become the first black Irish world champion.

Looking to the future, he hopes to be someone that people in his position can look up to.

"I am just a regular kid trying to achieve his dreams. I have come from a tough upbringing, and things haven't always gone my way.

"I set my goal at 14 years old to become the first black Irish world champion, and I am now within touching distance of creating history.

"I want to leave my story behind so that people can see that no matter where you come from, or what road you have gone down, you can achieve great things.

"I have an Irish mother and a Ghanaian father. I was born in London and moved to Belfast at a young age. My upbringing was a bit different from others.

"I have always considered myself Irish. My mother is Irish, half my family is Irish, so I never saw myself as anything else. I may have been born in London, but I didn't have a choice in that; I am Irish through and through.

"My family and I were considered outsiders because we had different accents, but the Irish people were very welcoming, and we settled right in.

"They took to us quite quickly and saw us as one of their own."