Josh Kelly suffers horrific cut during fight with Caoimhin Agyarko

Josh Kelly was left covered in blood during his IBF super welterweight world title defence against Caoimhin Agyarko.

The Sunderland boxer will likely have to spend some time outside of the ring to recover after his brutal fight on the Anthony Joshua vs Kristian Prenga undercard in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Josh Kelly left covered in blood by Caoimhin Agyarko

Josh Kelly might have to drop the ‘Pretty Boy’ nickname after Caoimhin Agyarko left his nose dripping with blood.

The champion started well, utilising his remarkable reflexes to land snappy combinations on his opponent to build up a lead. However, the challenger refused to lie down, slowly but surely grinding his way into the fight.

By the halfway point, Agyarko began to turn the tide, dragging the former Olympian into a war. Growing frustrated with what was transpiring, Kelly ended up losing a point for punching on the back of the head.

WOW: Boxing icon was forced to spar Manny Pacquiao for one vital reason

As the Northern Irishman upped the pace, the IBF King tired, opening up the possibility of an upset.

Struggling with the pressure, Kelly ended up cut on his left cheekbone. In the ninth, the pair traded huge shots, with the favourite landing a massive combination after having to absorb a big right hand himself.

A clash of heads resulted in blood oozing from Kelly’s nose, with the Englishman having to really bite down on his gumshield.

Following the war, the pair both celebrated, believing they’d done enough to win the contest. However, the judges opted for ‘And Still’, with Kelly celebrating a successful first defence of his belt.

Featured Image Credit: Getty