Latest news with #AnthonyCacace
The Independent
10-06-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Anthony Cacace to risk IBO world title against former US amateur star in Saudi Arabia
IBO super-featherweight champion Anthony Cacace will return to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on 16 August to face Raymond Ford. Cacace, 24-1 (9), will defend his titles over twelve rounds against the US fighter, whose sole loss came against Nick Ball in June last year. Meanwhile, Cacace was last in action in May when he stopped Leigh Wood in Nottingham in nine rounds. The Belfast man, who has been on a good run of form since beating Michael Magnesi for the title in 2022, will be returning to Riyadh after fighting there in May 2024 when he beat Joe Cordina in eight rounds. A match against Ford offers an intriguing match-up for Cacace. Ford, 17-1-1 (8), is a former amateur star who turned professional in 2019 after winning the 2018 and 2019 National Golden Gloves Championship. In 2021, Ford travelled to the UK where he stopped Reece Bellotti in three rounds (Bellotti is set to face Ryan Garner on DAZN at the end of July for the British and European championships). That fight came immediately after the only other blemish on his record – a draw against Aaron Perez, 10-0 at the time, in 2021. Headlining the Riyadh card will be a showdown between heavyweights Moses Itauma and Dillian Whyte. Itauma, who knocked out US fighter Mike Balogun in two rounds a few weeks ago in London will be taking the biggest step of his career in fighting Whyte. Whyte brings significant experience, having challenged Tyson Fury for the heavyweight championship of the world in 2022 and facing former WBA champion Alexander Povetkin in 2020 for the interim WBC title. Whyte lost both of those fights but has been considered in the upper echelons of the division ever since. Whyte, 31-3 (21), has long been linked with another Anthony Joshua fight (the pair first fought ten years ago, with Whyte proving a tougher-than-expected opponent), but it now seems that he is being put in a position of testing a younger prospect. A win over Itauma would reinvigorate Whyte's career, while a loss – disputed or not – would begin to relegate him to gatekeeper status. Since losing to Fury in six rounds, Whyte has won three in a row, outpointing Jermaine Franklin Jr at the end of 2022, before stopping both Christian Hammer and Ebenezer Tetteh in 2024. Whyte had also been scheduled to face an unknown opponent this weekend in Ipswich on the undercard of Fabio Wardley and Justis Huni but pulled out days before. At the time, promoter Frank Warren told one newspaper that Whyte had come off the card due to the opportunity for a 'big big fight' in August. It now seems apparent that that bout was to be this fight against Moses Itauma.
BBC News
29-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
'Retirement is terrifying - but Fury's not done'
Tyson Fury insists he's retired. And if you believe that, you probably haven't been following boxing – or his Instagram profile - for the past he may have meant it. This time it might just all be a strategy. I don't think he's 'Gypsy King' is back in the gym and has been posting clips of himself running and leading us all down a garden path and deep down, I reckon he knows it too. Fury's fire is still burning.I've been in this sport since the age of seven and I've seen it countless times. When a fighter says they're done, sometimes it's just a pause. A chance to breathe, reset, take the pressure off. At other times it's a decision made in the heat of the moment, based on was the case when I laid my gloves in the ring after losing to Anthony Cacace in September.I told my dad in the corner after my third straight defeat that "it's not there any more". I was 100% committed to that decision. I was broken, both physically and mentally. I did a lap of honour and told Eddie Hearn I was next day, on the way home, was the longest and most painful drive of my life. For the next couple of weeks, I'd take my kids to school then come back and get into bed and start boxing isn't just a job to me – it was who I was. It kept me away from trouble, gave me a purpose when others around me didn't have one. So when that part of you suddenly disappears, it's messaged me, even those who admitted they didn't like me, telling me to hold my head up. I watched my fight and realised it wasn't as bad as I thought. At the football, Leeds United fans were stopping me, telling me I wasn't I went back to the gym, started moving again and realised I still had something left. I couldn't go out like that. Boxing buzz, lure of the pound & need for union It's easy to say, "Why don't you just walk away?"But unless you've lived it, you don't understand. The structure of training, the routine, the high of fight week – it's like a drug.I've never touched recreational stuff in my life but I imagine the hit of fight night is not far off. The lights, the adrenaline, the buzz – it's let's not lie – the money matters. Boxing isn't just a passion, it's a business. One punch can change your life and the pay packets? Insane. You've got influencers making millions from novelty if you're a top heavyweight like Fury, what's 36 minutes in the ring when there's eight figures on the line?But that's where it gets dangerous. The damage adds up. You're getting hit in the head. And what does all that money mean when your speech starts to slur or your reactions slow down?That's why I say boxing needs a union. Footballers have the PFA (Professional Footballers' Association). We've got of us come from council estates and broken homes – boxing is a way out. But when it ends, the phone stops ringing. The tax bills roll in. You don't know who to turn to. And that's when some fighters spiral into drink, gambling or depression. A union could help. It could give guidance, investment advice, even set age limits for comebacks. Because let's face it, a 58-year-old Mike Tyson getting back in the ring? That's not a comeback – that's a health risk. This isn't Oasis reforming. This is people getting punched in the for Tyson Fury? He'll be back. And yes, I think the Anthony Joshua fight happens. It's too big not to. Maybe it's not what it once could've been – two unbeaten heavyweights fighting for all the belts – but it still matters. There's still pride, still might take a tune-up or he might dive straight way, I don't believe he's done. Not yet. Not until the lights are off, the gloves hung up for good and he's found something that gives him the same thrill. But believe me, that's the hardest part. I'm not sure anything else will ever come Warrington was speaking to BBC Sport's Kal Sajad.
The Independent
27-05-2025
- General
- The Independent
Anthony Cacace speaks on family and his journey in boxing
Anthony Cacace will travel to enemy territory to defend his IBO super featherweigh t at Motorpoint Arena tomorrow. The Belfast man has seen a late career revival, capturing the IBF super featherweight title last year at 36 years old, which he has since vacated. Speaking to Queensberry Promotions, Cacace (23-1) reflected on his journey in boxing and what it means for his family. Four years ago, Cacace captured his unrecognised IBO world title against Michael Magnesi and believes this was the turning point for his career in terms of recognition. He said: 'Four years IBO champion now, so I'm proud of that. From then, the opportunities kind of unfolded and from Simon [ Legg, his manager ] and whatever else coming on board. Things have worked out well. And now I am in the position that all these young kids around my estate. I love them to be watching and say, 'If he can do it, I can do it.'' The IBO champ recently posted a video to his Instagram showing him with some young fans after a run, and he explained what he felt when confronted with the support he has from his community. Cacace explained: 'I felt emotional. I was like wow, my name, my fathers name, Cacace. My father's Italian you know, he's from Sorrento. It's like I've done something for him and for us – our name is cemented.' He continued: 'It makes me happy, and it's not even because people know me. It's just that I am genuinely inspiring the next generation, and I feel it. I feel like I am too.' Family legacy is of great importance to Cacace. He said that taking this fight with Wood is evidence of his focus on wanting to make his family proud and to be remembered in the sport. Enjoy 185+ fights a year on DAZN, the Global Home of Boxing Never miss a fight from top promoters. Watch on your devices anywhere, anytime. See Schedule ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. 'I've made him super proud,' he said. 'I could get emotional now talking about it. It's like my mum, my dad, they've been along the journey with me. All these hard times, and there's been plenty of them.' He added: 'I have accomplished something that's going to live forever. I'm the first Irish, super featherweight champion ever. Anthony Cacace will never be erased from those [history] books and there's nothing that makes me more happy.' Cacace credited his parents with supporting him through financial hardship and making sure that he had what he needed to pursue his dreams and become a champion. Despite insisting this is not the end of the line for him, he admitted he does have one eye on future and being able to spend more time with his family. Cacace said: 'I'm not aiming for a finishing line. It's like, 'Beat Leigh Wood and move on.' Maybe fight for another work title, defend it, and we'll talk then. But I've got three children, and I would love to be able to spend some time with [ them ]. Sign up to a DAZN subscription to watch the very best boxing DAZN is the home of combat sports, broadcasting over 185 fights a year from the world's best promoters, including Matchroom, Queensberry, Golden Boy, Misfits, PFL, BKFC, GLORY and more. An Annual Saver subscription is a one-off cost of £119.99 / $224.99 (for 12 months access), that's just 64p / $1.21 per fight. There is also a Monthly Flex Pass option (cancel any time) at £24.99 / $29.99 per month. It is not just about fight night, a DAZN membership also includes access to documentaries and features, weekly magazine shows, live fight watchalongs, press conferences, weight-ins, open workouts, exclusive interviews and access to training camps, and podcasts and vodcasts.
The Independent
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Cacace-Wood press conference ends on respectful note as big-time boxing returns to Nottingham
The final press conference before Saturday's card at Nottingham Arena passed with little incident between the headliners today. The card, which is to be headlined by the fight between Leigh Wood and Anthony Cacace for the IBO super-featherweight title, will be shown on DAZN and marks one of the year's biggest domestic showdowns. Promoter Frank Warren of Queensberry Promotions said that he and his company were delighted to be putting on an event in Nottingham. Warren said: 'On Saturday night, we're going to see a contender for 'Fight of the Year' between two extremely good boxers. The IBO title is going to be on the line and the winner will go on to be involved in a massive fight this year.' The veteran promoter showered both fighters with praise during the build-up, saying that they were two 'competitive' guys. He added: 'Anto has found his way and shown what he can do when he focuses and knuckles down. He's done that against Cordina and he's done that against Warrington. Leigh is a two-time world champion, and his record speaks for itself.' The pair, Warren said, have wins over the same opponent in Josh Warrington, with Wood stopping the Leeds man and Cacace later beating him on points. 'What's important,' Warren said, 'is that the atmosphere is going to be electric. It's going to be a special, special night in Nottingham. Big-time boxing is back in the city and that is what we're here for. We're here to see the fight of the year.' There was mutual respect between both Cacace and Wood, with Cacace saying that he thought the latter would have come to Belfast if needed. However, he said that the bigger house would have been at the Midlands venue. On the undercard, however, there were some light sparks between light-heavyweights Ezra Taylor and Troy Jones. The undefeated fighters will meet over ten rounds in one of the evening's support bouts. Taylor, 12-0 (8) and from Nottingham, said that his unbeaten run had been because of his work ethic. He said: 'I've had things all my way because that is how it goes – it goes my way. I work hard. I put in the work. Anyone who knows me knows that I graft and put my heart and soul into it. I like Troy – he's a cool guy outside of the ring. But since I know him, I'm going to show people how a professional deals with someone in front of him.' Taylor added: 'Everyone has that confidence, but I'm going to diminish it pretty quick. It's going to be a long night or a very short one. He could be any opponent. They're not going to be able to handle me. It's not arrogance, but confidence.' Jones, 12-0 (6), meanwhile, said he thought he was better in all aspects. He said: 'Taylor's getting moved out of the way on Saturday. He's got his new trainer in Malik Scott, and he thinks he has all these new skills, but he's not using them against me. When it gets deep, he'll find out what the trench is like and he won't like it in there.' Sign up to a DAZN subscription to watch the very best boxing DAZN is the home of combat sports, broadcasting over 185 fights a year from the world's best promoters, including Matchroom, Queensberry, Golden Boy, Misfits, PFL, BKFC, GLORY and more. An Annual Saver subscription is a one-off cost of £119.99 / $224.99 (for 12 months access), that's just 64p / $1.21 per fight. There is also a Monthly Flex Pass option (cancel any time) at £24.99 / $29.99 per month. It is not just about fight night, a DAZN membership also includes access to documentaries and features, weekly magazine shows, live fight watchalongs, press conferences, weight-ins, open workouts, exclusive interviews and access to training camps, and podcasts and vodcasts.
The Independent
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Who is Leigh Wood: Fight record, stats, next bout and more
Leigh Wood will return to the ring after over eighteen months to challenge Anthony Cacace for the IBO super featherweight title at the Nottingham Arena this weekend. Despite this being Wood's first fight at the super-featherweight limit, a win over Cacace would position him for a shot at one of the 'big four' boxing titles. But it has been far from straight forward for the Nottingham fighter, who has had to pull himself through hard times and setbacks to climb his way to the top table of boxing. Stats Total fights: 31 Record: 28-3 (17 KOs) Rounds: 170 Height: 5' 7' Reach: 67' Early Career Wood made his debut in 2011 and worked his way to a shot at the British super-bantamweight title three years later, suffering a sixth-round knockout loss to Gavin McDonnell. This early setback forced him to re-build, eventually claiming the Midlands Area featherweight title by knocking out Lee Glover in two rounds in 2016. Despite this, Wood was still fighting four- and six-round fights in Midlands small halls before he got his shot at the Commonwealth featherweight title in 2018. After claiming the Commonwealth title and defending it, Wood made the next step up and claimed the WBO European title, beating Ryan Doyle in 2019. Stumbling once again, 'Leigh-thal' lost his European title in 2020 to James Dickens by majority decision. It looked as though it was one step forward and two steps back for Wood – having to bounce back and win the British featherweight title against Reece Mould the next year. World titles In 2021, Wood would receive a career-defining opportunity to challenge for a world title. At the Matchroom HQ Garden in Brentwood, Can Xu's WBA featherweight title was on the line. Wood was a massive underdog coming into the fight, but claimed a dramatic twelfth-round stoppage and his first world title after ten years. But defending a world title is another thing, and Wood's first defence was against Olympic Bronze medallist Michael Conlan in a bout in Nottingham in 2023. Symptomatic of his career, the fight was slipping away from Wood who was dropped in the first round and outboxed for the rest, but he stayed in the fight until the end – rallying in the final round to knock out Conlan in The Ring's 2022 fight of the year. This was not the end of the drama for the Midlands man who suffered a knockout loss of his own against Mauricio Lara in 2023. Five months later, he won an immediate rematch to reclaim his WBA title with a unanimous decision. Woods final fight at featherweight was against his Leeds rival, Josh Warrington, and it was another comeback victory. Down on all three scorecards, he picked a perfect hook followed up by a blistering five-shot combination to put Warrington down and force a referee stoppage.
