Agbeko is ranked third in the world by Ring Magazine in the talent rich 118-pound division and can also make the move up to the even-stronger 122-pound class where stars like Nonito Donaire and Guillermo Rigondeaux are fighting.
“I’m confident I am among the best in the world at 118 and 122. There are so many great fighters in each weight class,” Agbeko said. “I’m ready to fight anyone. I’m sure the TV networks and boxing fans will love the fights. I have a television friendly, all-action style. I really look forward to working with a new promoter and together making a real impact.”
The New York based Agbeko is proud to represent his native Ghana in the ring following in the tradition of greats like Azumah Nelson and Ike Quartey. Agbeko confidently stated, “Now that I have my promotional freedom I will show my true boxing talent. Now I will finally be able to focus on fighting and not have to deal with the behind-the-scenes scheming of King.”
“Boxing is such a mental sport. It is very difficult to focus on boxing when you are stressed about how your promoter is mistreating you. I’m very easy to work with, but dealing with Don created a ton of tension,” Agbeko continued. “All I want is to be treated fair, nothing extra just fair. Mentally it beats a fighter down dealing with King. He is always up to no good. Now I’m free, I can really show that I am an even better boxer than I’ve proved to be so far”
Agbeko lost his International Boxing Federation (IBF) World Title in August via a highly controversial 12-round decision to Abner Mares. The exciting yet foul plagued first bout led to a mandated December rematch won by Mares over 12. Agbeko is confident the third fight will be different.
“Mares is a terrific tough fighter, a great challenge, but my last fight with him was not a good performance by me. I had the chance to really push for the knockout early on and didn’t do it.” Agbeko said. “I proved myself against Mares, they were good fights, but I know I’ll be much better now that I don’t have to deal with all the problems Don King kept creating for me. Now that I’m free from King, I can focus completely on fighting.”
“I’m ready to take on any top boxer at 118 or 122. Wherever the big fights are, that’s the division I want to fight in. There are so many great fights for me and for boxing fans in both divisions. I respect all the top fighters. I just want the chance to show who is best in the ring. I would love to fight WBA champion Anselmo Moreno. We both beat Vic Darchinyan; so boxing fans need to know who is better, Moreno or me? Keep the business good by making the best fight for fans.”
Agbeko now meets Michael Domingo on May 26th in his native Ghana for the vacant IBO bantamweight belt as he looks to become a three-time world champion.