Double hand injury can’t derail debut for impressive Caoimhin Agyarko

It wasn’t the sensational knockout that some were predicting but Caoimhin Agyarko [1(0)-0] got to show and learn a lot more on Saturday night because of it.

Two sore hands suffered in the opening round of the Belfast middleweight’s debut saw Agyarko take a more considered approach versus Slovak veteran Ladislav Nemeth.

Darting in and out of range, the 21-year-old dominated across six rounds to take a points decision at the Brentwood Centre in Essex and get his pro career up and running.

Short clip of the fight 👊🏾 pic.twitter.com/Bmwwbc8UV4

— Caoimhin Agyarko (@caoimhinagyarko) October 22, 2018

An early setback like what happened to Agyarko in the opening round would unsettle most debutants but the Holy Trinity graduate told Irish-Boxing.com that “I didn’t panic, I was just smart about it. ”

“Unfortunately after the first round both my hands were sore, especially my right one, but I was able to adjust use my feints, footwork, and not take any risks.”

“The fight went well. I had some ring rust and my timing was off but I haven’t fought since April so that was expected.”

Starting off in a six-rounder against a solid opponent, Agyarko was more than happy to go the distance..

The Bromley-based pro explained how “I don’t need someone I’m going to stop inside a round, I want fighters who are coming to fight, not lay down.”

“I was in against a tough opponent for my debut, most people wouldn’t take a tough fighter like I did over six rounds for their debut but I did.”

“It felt great to get six rounds under the belt, they flew in, went by so quick, but it showed I’m fit for six rounds and it was a good decision to jump straight into six and not a four rounder.”

Agyarko will soon return to training at the iBox Gym ahead of a second fight date before the end of the year and the hungry puncher is eager to improve.

While his debut was universally praised by those in attendance, the 2018 Irish Elite 81kg champ knows he has a lot more to give.

Agyarko noted how “a lot of people said they were very impressed and my team were happy with me.”

“I’m my own biggest critic, I said to my coach straight after that I didn’t think I boxed well.”

“I did what I had to but that was 25 percent of what I can actually do!”