Caoimhin Agyarko and Ishmael Davis could have argued all the way until their fight on Saturday.
The junior middleweight contenders meet in Belfast at Windsor Park and they had plenty to say at today’s final press conference.
The build-up has been respectful enough, but today they started talking smack, referring to previous sparring sessions, and both pledged to win by knockout.
“I was ringside at the Carl Frampton-Luke Jackson fight [at Windsor Park] and its’s a full circle moment for me,” said Agyarko, 17-0 (5 KOs). “To be fighting in my home city, fighting in a title fight, it’s a dream come true… I think I’m the hungrier fighter. I think he’s not in it for the titles and accolades, he’s to see where he goes, that’s why he’s taken fights at short notice. He’s stepped in with two great fighters [Serhii Bohachuk and Josh Kelly] and I give him all the props for it….”
Davis, 13-2 (6 KOs) and from Leeds, responded: “I’m here for belts. Everyone thinks, ‘Ah, he took those short notice fights,’ but I took them because I believed I could win. The talking’s done. We are here. I’m going to start early with you. [against] Josh Kelly I started late.”
“Saturday night you’re getting knocked out, straight facts,” said Agyarko.
“You’re getting knocked out,” Davis replied.
“This is a world class fight between two guys in their prime,” said promoter Eddie Hearn.
Also on the undercard is a rematch of the terrific December two-round battle between Irish southpaws Tyrone McKenna, 24-6-1 (7 KOs), and Dylan Moran, 19-3 (9 KOs).
They shared utter mayhem in Waterford on ProBox TV, and Moran promised: “I’m going to meet him centre of the ring. He was nearly out of it multiple times… Just be 100 per cent on Saturday night so you have no excuses.”
McKenna won their abbreviated war, but it was sensational.
“It was the best shot of your career. That will not land on Saturday night,” added Moran.
“I’m going to knock Tyrone McKenna out.”
“You won’t make it out of the first round,” laughed McKenna. “I’m knocking him out 100 per cent in the first round.”
Cruiserweight prospect Pat Brown is also in action, against 12-5 (10 KOs) Austine Nnamdi.
“He’s a dangerous man,” said Brown. “He’s had many knockouts. This guy, it’s a big moment for him, he’s been in with some good kids and I want the rounds. I want to go into deep waters.”
