CAOIMHIN Agyarko takes on unbeaten Mexican-American Noe Larios junior for the vacant WBA International Middleweight title at the Echo Arena in Liverpool tonight.
California-born Larios has fought predominantly across the border in Tijuana and is 14-0 compared to Belfast native Agyarko’s 9-0. Confident and dynamic, Agyarko likes to close the distance and work at close range and he is a terrific body puncher. It’s a level-up for the London-based former Holy Trinity ABC fighter but he has passed every test of his with flying colours and intends to make a name for himself and win his first belt on the star-studded Merseyside bill.
“It’s a great opportunity to showcase myself on this platform and what an honour it is to fight on Katie Taylor and Conor Benn’s undercard,” said Agyarko.
“I’ve had the privilege of being in training camps with Katie so fighting on her card means so much to me. I’ve got 150 crazy Irish fans coming over for Saturday night so it’ll feel like home and I can’t wait to get in there and put on an explosive performance.
“I want to be in the best fights possible and in the past, it has been hard to match me. I’ve got an unbeaten fighter in front of me, so I look forward to getting past that test, being in some fights next year and going back to Belfast and headlining a show there – making my name in the middleweight division.”
Larios wants to do exactly the same. He says he has served his apprenticeship and now intends to win the first of his belt by taking the scalp of a Matchroom fighter tonight.
“I feel blessed, I’m super stoked to have this opportunity,” he said.
“I’m just here to do my job on Saturday and get the job done. I’m happy to be part of this undercard. I think at some point there’s a time you have to fight the bigger guys and bigger opponents. This is that time and we’re ready for it on Saturday.”
In the co-headline act alongside Conor Benn’s WBA Continental welterweight title battle with Chris Algieri, Taylor puts her lightweight belts on the line against Russian Firuza Sharipova who lost on her debut but has won her last 14 with eight wins inside the distance. At 27, she’s seven year’s Taylor’s junior but, as always, the Bray woman, has ticked every box in training.
“I’m very aware of the challenge on Saturday night, I haven’t overlooked Sharipova at all, I know what she brings, and I’m prepared for whatever comes my way Saturday night,” said Taylor.
“I’m also aware that there’s so many big fights out there for me, the bigger names that could possibly happen next year, so I’ve got to get through Saturday night first and focus on the bigger fights ahead.
“You’ve seen so many upsets so far this year in the boxing world when people have maybe gone into the ring underprepared or overlooking certain opponents.
“I know that obviously can’t happen, I’ve made that mistake before as an amateur fighter where I have overlooked opponents – being beaten and learning the hard way. I’m 100 per cent prepared and focused coming into the fight, I’m ready to put on a big performance.
“I can’t wait, this is such an amazing card with so many packed fights, it’s going to be an amazing atmosphere and an amazing night – full of so many Irish people travelling over for the fight. It’s going to be a loud arena so I can’t wait to get in there and perform.”
Sharipova countered: “I feel very confident and welcomed here in this city, I have a great respect for Katie Taylor. She’s been my idol all the time but I’m coming here to win. I was preparing well, thanks to my team for their support and I’m ready for the fight on Saturday night.”
