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Gareth Fullerton

Caoimhin Agyarko issues Belfast call to Eddie Hearn as he prepares for Dublin 'comeback'

Caoimhin Agyarko is ready to get back on the knockout trail to help convince promoter Eddie Hearn to add Belfast to his 2023 plans.

Agyarko has eased to a perfect record of 12-0 in the pro ranks but has been out of action for 10 months after requiring surgery on a hand injury.

He has labelled this weekend's return on Katie Taylor's homecoming show in Dublin as a 'bit of a comeback fight', and he hopes to put in a big performance in front of his home fans.

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And if Agyarko can make a statement at the 3Arena, then it could tee up another big night in his home city.

He told iFLTV: "I want to headline shows in Belfast. This is the first step towards showing Eddie (Hearn).

"When the fans come out and get behind me on Saturday night and I come away with a good victory, it is time to come to Belfast. It has been way too long since I fought in Belfast.

"I fought there in my fourth fight, and now I have an unreal fan base and I can sell tickets. The Belfast fans get behind me; the whole of Ireland gets behind me.

"It is time to go back to Belfast within the next six to 12 months."

Agyarko admits Dublin will feel like 'home soil' when he steps into the ring against Dennis on Saturday night.

The pair weighed in on Friday for their light-middleweight clash, and the Belfast man is seeking an early finish in the fight.

"I just feel I am better in every department. I am faster and stronger and fitter," he said.

"I have sparred Grant before and know what to expect from him. I just don't see a way of him beating me unless he has that one punch KO which his record doesn't suggest.

Caoimhin Agyarko on the scales (Mark Robinson Photography/Matchroom)

"But anything can happen in boxing. So as much as I am confident I am taking nothing for granted on the night.

"I would like to win inside the distance. I never want to go the distance.

"My last couple of fights have gone the full 10 rounds. I want to start the KO train again and get the stoppage inside the distance."

Agyarko added: "It's an honour to be in Dublin, on home soil. I am buzzing to be back for what is a bit of a comeback fight.

"The inactivity was very mentally challenging. I love being in the gym and training. I eat, live and breathe boxing as it has been my whole life since I was seven years old.

"Even when I got stabbed I was only out for five months, so being 10 months out was tough. It was the longest I have ever been out of the ring.

"I tried to do as much as I could, using one hand in the gym and doing some running and strength work."

Fighting in front of a home crowd could add more pressure onto Agyarko's shoulders, but he insists he "thrives under the lights".

He said: "Nobody puts more pressure on myself than me. I just focus on my performances and I thrive being back home in front of my own fans.

"It is amazing to give my fans a big night, watching me on the undercard of one of the greatest athletes of all time. It is amazing what Katie Taylor has done for Irish boxing, and woman's boxing.

"It promises to be a special night."

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