Belfast title fight would be 'unbelievable'
Anthony Cacace says he is hopeful of "doing something" in his home city of Belfast amid talk of a possible WBC super-featherweight world title shot against O'Shaquie Foster.The 36-year-old vacated the IBF belt to face Leigh Wood on Saturday but retained his IBO title with a ruthless ninth-round stoppage of the former two-time world champion in Nottingham.Just over a year ago Cacace was an unknown outside of local boxing circles but has firmly established himself as a major player in the division, doing so mostly on the road with his latest victory coming on his opponent's home turf."I'm at the stage now where I'm literally top of the tree," said Cacace after extending his record to 24 wins and one loss from 25 fights. "I've disposed of all the top featherweights and super-featherweights in Britain, so I wouldn't mind bringing it back to Belfast and doing something before I hang up the gloves."Winning the WBC title in front of my home crowd, which I'm very capable of doing, would be unbelievable."
Cacace's spectacular run that began 12 months ago when he stopped the previously undefeated Joe Cordina has led to him grabbing the attention of the boxing world and performances like Saturday will only serve to boost his stock further.In the decisive ninth round, a long, snaking right followed by a left saw Wood stagger back and be held up by the ropes before the 36-year-old beat referee John Latham's count.But there was no letting the challenger off the hook as Cacace finished superbly, thudding home punches that prompted Wood's trainer Ben Davison to throw in the towel.Just Cacace's ninth win inside the distance, he said he did not want to afford Wood the opportunity to show his feted powers of recovery. "I thought to myself, you know, he's a Cinderella man."People have had him like that and then he ends up sparking them out, so I just said to myself, 'Empty the tank'. "I knew he was gone, and I was very aware that I could have blew up, but I felt that was him, I could see Ben there ready [so] just keep punching until he throws it in."
'I can't just stop now, can I? I'll have to keep going'
Wood was returning to the ring after a 19-month break, but following wins over Cordina and Josh Warrington, Cacace has now beaten three two-time champions in succession."I don't know if I fought the best Leigh Wood, but I fought Leigh Wood as again he's another two-time world champion," he said."He's beaten some really good names. It was a fight he's been asking for, a fight that he's been telling everyone he was going to knock me out. "It just shows you that I'm better than what I look like sometimes and I hit harder than my records suggest."Cacace will turn 37 in February but, after his late rise through the division, said he has to "keep going". "Never in my wildest dreams, genuinely, did I ever think that I would be where I'm at and that's the truth," he added."We're living in dreamland compared to two years ago."I can't just stop now, can I? I'll have to keep going. I don't have many miles on the clock."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Sale's Du Preez brothers: It's an emotional end of an era - selfishly we wanted Jean-Luc's move to fail!
At the entrance to Sale Sharks' Carrington training centre, a slogan is painted on the wall to remind those who visit of the club's ethos and values. Part of it reads: 'A team. A community. A family.'
Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Chris Kamara shares encouraging update amid health battle as Sky Sports legend declares: 'There is no downside to being me at the moment'
Chris Kamara reveals there is 'no downside to being me' in an encouraging update on his health following recent reports. Kamara, whose charisma earned him plenty of fans during his 24 years with Sky Sports, was diagnosed with the rare neurological condition that affects your ability to speak in 2022. In recent days, prior to working an event with Burton's Fish 'N' Chips in Camden, London, the popular pundit admitted he has been struggling with his balance. However, when speaking to Mail Sport in north London, the 67-year-old claimed that 'it may look worse than it actually is', and his speech has vastly improved. 'I'm always surprised at how lovely people are towards me,' Kamara tells Mail Sport. 'It's amazing, absolutely incredible. It makes me feel humble. There is no downside to being me at the moment, everybody is so nice. 'My speech has improved. I'm an open book, when I am asked a question, I answer honestly. It may look worse than it actually is, and my balance may be worse than it's been, but my voice is better. 'There is no thought process going on that is not transferred to the mouth, it's instant now. So, there is improvement, but downsides in other things, the balance, thyroid, I have a bad back, and might need an operation. 'But there is always somebody worse of than you. Don't feel sorry for me, I am still enjoying life.' The condition forced Kamara to retract from reporting duties with Sky Sports back in 2022, and he found it hard to make appearances in the public eye. However, in 2024, he made his comeback in broadcasting to provide coverage of Nottingham Forest's win over Tottenham for Amazon Prime. Six months later, Kamara could be seen in Camden Market engaging with fans as he served biscuits to celebrate National Fish and Chips Day. This is something that the once Bradford City and Brentford star couldn't fathom doing back in 2022, but now he wants to show that the fun-loving character that took to our screens for decades is still here. 'Two or three years ago, at the height of my condition, I wouldn't have done anything at all – I didn't feel capable of doing anything. My brain was all frazzled, I was feeling sorry for myself. 'That's all gone now. I want to enjoy life and what is remaining of it. Do the things I want, enjoy time with the family, and its great. That attitude has served me well.' After working on Sky Sports' Soccer Saturday for two decades, Kamara came off air in 2022 Not only is Kamara working on campaigns, but the improvement in his condition has led to a role back in television – but a different aspect of it. 'I have been offered a part in a film, a part in a sitcom as well. It's all good,' he continued, while speaking to Mail Sport in a cafe. 'I've done loads of TV stuff, Ted Lasso, tour appearances in Emmerdale. I love it. I'm not the same person now as I was then, but if they invite me, I will do it now.' When speaking to Kamara, his humility shines through. Many football fans have gone through life with the once footballer on their screens every weekend. With numerous fans coming up to him to share their memories of the charming Kamara, he finds it hard to believe how well-known he is. However, meeting one significant person back in 2022 shocked him, in particular. 'I was so honoured when I got my MBE from Prince William when he said "I have grown up with you" you don't think things like that. 'One of the Royal Family, that is the next King in waiting, has grown up watching you. It's humbling.' While engaging with the general public on Friday, Kamara also served them with the nostalgic 80s favourite snack, Fish 'N' Chips. 'I was out there on the streets, bringing the legendary snack back into the spotlight, and let me tell you, the buzz was electric. 'So many smiling faces, loving the nostalgia and tucking into the tasters, it was the perfect way to celebrate National Fish and Chip Day. Proper magic.'
The Sun
3 hours ago
- The Sun
Templegate's Derby tip: ‘He's extremely impressive and has way more to come' – My NAP on a huge day at Epsom
TEMPLEGATE tackles a massive Saturday of racing confident of smashing the bookies. The big race of the day - the year, even - is the Derby and 19 runners go to post for the 3.30 live on ITV1 - although one huge name could be pulled at the last minute amid a dire weather warning. Our man goes through every single runner and reveals his 1-2-3-4 Derby prediction in his brilliant runner-by-runner guide. You'll find all his picks below, so grab yourself a free bet offer and back a horse simply by clicking their odds. PRIDE OF ARRAS (3.30 Epsom, nap) He was extremely impressive when winning the Dante at York last time on just his second outing. That was his first start for nine months and he burst through the line to suggest this longer trip will be fine. His high draw could be tricky but not impossible and he has more to come. DOCKLANDS (1.35 Epsom, nb) He has some fancy Group 1 form including his second in the Queen Anne at last year's Royal Ascot. He was sent all over the globe after that with solid results and ran a solid comeback at Ascot last time. He'll be fitter for that and has won on quick and slow ground. He showed lots of promise last season and returned with a solid fourth at Goodwood last time. He should improve for that fitness wise and he handles any ground. Templegate's TV verdicts EPSOM 1.00 IF it comes up properly soft by racetime, Sparks Fly would be a cracking bet given her superb record in testing conditions. But assuming it's good to soft or quicker, ROYAL DRESS is the one to be on. She was an unlucky third in this last year before striking in this grade at The Curragh. She has since held her own in better races including when third at York last time. William Buick is an eyecatching booking too. Bermuda Longtail looked promising when beaten half a length in a York Listed contest last month and has much more to come. She gets plenty of weight for age too. Skellet progressed last season and is another who should be capable of better for Ralph Beckett. 1.35 DOCKLANDS has some fancy Group 1 form including his second in the Queen Anne at last year's Royal Ascot. He was sent all over the globe after that with solid results and ran a solid comeback at Ascot last time. He'll be fitter for that and has won on quick and slow ground. Persica didn't fire in the Lockinge last time but took a Newmarket Group 3 easily enough on comeback and has won here before. Ryan Moore's a good booking and he's a big threat. Royal Playwright gets the best part of a stone from his older rivals and didn't get the run of the race in the Dante last time. He could take a major step forward here. Royal Dubai wasn't disgraced at Ascot last time and looks the pick of the bigger prices. 2.10 AGAINST THE WIND could be the answer to this tricky puzzle. He has plenty of weight but has been running well with a Thirsk win followed by a fine York third last time. He gets away quickly so should be suited by this track. Naana's Sparkle ran a nice race at Goodwood last time when third and showed lots of pace. He looks on a fair mark. Ruby's Profit got the better of Mademoiselle in that race and they should both be right at home here too after showing a lot of boot. Tees Aggregates saves his best for Catterick so should love Epsom which is another tricky track. He may not be quite good enough to win but could be an each-way bet if you can get extra places. Blinky won a couple on the all-weather before a decent third at Chester last time. A repeat of that would put him in the place picture from what should be an ideal draw. 2.45 JER BATT always faced a tough task from a wide draw at Chester last time yet still ran a good race. He has some fine handicap form over this trip yet is still on a fair weight and the booking of Oisin Murphy is a plus. He'll be right there. Clarendon House is quirky but has enough quality to figure if he fancies it. He went well in the Group 3 Palace House at Newmarket last time. Last year's winner Dream Composer was also badly drawn at Chester latest but looked much better when second at Pontefract on comeback. He can figure again. Jm Jungle has been placed in hot York handicaps on his past two outings. He likes this trip and is a quick starter so has every chance. Vintage Clarets showed positive signs on the Knavesmire latest and is in the each-way picture too. 3.30 PRIDE OF ARRAS was a brilliant Dante winner at York and has more to come. French raider Midak looks overpriced, while Lambourn would have a say if the rain comes. And you never rule out Ryan Moore on Delacroix, especially as the jockey was simply brilliant on Minnie Hauk in the Oaks. Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who:
