Statements from the Start – Caoimhin Agyarko set to make debut splash

Over the past number of years just five Irish boxers have made their professional debut on live television.

Mick Conlan on UniMás, Katie Taylor on Sky Sports, and Paddy Barnes, Davey Oliver Joyce, and Steven Ward on BoxNation.

On Saturday night Caoimhin Agyarko will join this select group and the Belfast middleweight is primed to make an instant impact.

Agyarko is due to make his pro bow in a six-round contest on a BT Sport-broadcast card at the Brentwood Centre in Essex.

The 21-year-old power-puncher has been earmarked for the pros since his teenage years and, having linked up with Frank Warren, Agyarko is ready to start turning heads outside of the Irish boxing hardcore.

Following a short-notice Irish Senior title win at light heavyweight and a stunning stoppage win in the World Series of Boxing, the Holy Trinity BC graduate is being given more of a push than most debuting prospects.

While eager to impress, the laid-back Agyarko is taking his high-profile move to the pros in his stride.

The Belfast banger told Irish-Boxing.com that “boxing on BT Sport is massive and, of course, I want to impress and show the boxing world what I’m about.”

“But I won’t put any pressure on my shoulders, I’ll go out enjoy it and take it like any other fight.”

“I was offered to start my career off in six rounders and me and my team thought there was no need to start on a four rounder.”

On Saturday Agyarko is listed to be facing Slovak veteran Ladislav Nemeth [11(5)-52(16)-9] although this may change before fight night.

Regardless of who the opponent is, the aggressive counter-puncher will be looking to tear into them following a long camp.

Based now in London at the iBox Gym in Bromley, Agyarko has been training since August alongside the likes of top welters Bradley Skeete and Johnny Garton – both of whom also feature on Saturday night.

It’s been a hard two months for the Irish-Ghanaian who is living away from his home in West Belfast but he has found the training under coaches Al Smith and Eddie Lam.

“It went well,” describes Agyarko.

“It was very tough, not too much different than the amateurs but the rounds were longer and you’re doing a lot more rounds in sparring – but I’ve learnt a lot in my first camp.”

“Of course it hasn’t been easy being away from my my friends, family, and girlfriend.”

“It will be tough and take time getting used to but it’s the life I’ve chosen and I’ve enjoyed it.”