5 hours ago
What drives you? Whether in business or pleasure, it’s a question many ask themselves, and Anthony Cacace is no different.
While providing for his family remains his top priority, the newly crowned WBA super-featherweight champion is also focused on cementing his family name in the history of world boxing.
Though some still struggle to pronounce his surname, inherited from his father who comes from just outside Sorrento, Italy, Cacace is gaining recognition as he aims to become the undisputed champion in the 9st 4lb (59kg) division and make his name known among his rivals.
After defeating Joe Cordina in May 2024 to claim the IBF title—a belt he has since relinquished—Cacace added another achievement by winning a unanimous decision over Liverpool’s 'Jazza' Dickens on Saturday. The victory brought him special satisfaction as he said he had "put my daddy’s name down in the history books."
"No one really heard of Cacace, but now the name’s known," said the 37-year-old from Andersonstown in west Belfast following his win.
Reflecting on what he described as a "below-par performance" against Dickens, Cacace remains clear about his goals.
Currently, Mexico’s Emanuel Navarrete holds Cacace’s former IBF belt as well as the WBO title, while the USA’s O'Shaquie Foster is the reigning WBC champion.
At 37, time is limited, but Cacace confirmed he will fight again, determined to make the most of the final stages of his career.
"Give me Navarrete—it’s not that hard to make, so let’s make it," he said after Saturday’s victory, which improved his record to 25 wins and one loss.
"The styles [against Dickens] never really gelled, but I believe I can do better and unify.
"I can beat Navarrete and these guys, so that’s what I’m aiming for now."
His promoter, Frank Warren, echoed that ambition.
"Of course I’d like to see it, and that’s what we want to do," Warren said. "He [Cacace] is a two-time world champion and wants to unify the belts, so we’ll work on making that happen."
Hand Injury Affected Sharpness in Build-Up
Although Cacace’s performance against Dickens was not his best, with the orthodox versus southpaw styles making the fight tricky, he edged out a win on the judges’ scorecards.
His strongest round was the fifth, when he aggressively pressed the Liverpool fighter.
Dickens fought back hard and had his moments, but Cacace revealed that a "chinned" left hand injury sustained during training may have limited his ability to finish the fight during his dominant moments.
"I tagged him and I could have had him out of there, but that’s where the sharpness and sparring come in," he explained.
"I genuinely believed I punched way too hard for him, but I just had to keep it safe. I knew how to control the fight.
"Take nothing away from Jazza—he’s a great champion."
‘Everything Is Possible with Hard Work’
The hand injury also made the fight mentally challenging for Cacace in the changing room, but he overcame the negativity, just as he has overcome setbacks throughout his career to reach the top.
He refused to celebrate with an open-top bus parade after winning the IBF belt in 2024, and his stance remains the same after claiming the WBA title.
Fame and celebrity are not his motivation; instead, he focuses on being the best version of himself. If his journey inspires the next generation, it will be a rewarding outcome for the support he received leading up to Saturday’s fight.
"When I hear the kids at St Agnes’ [GAA club where he played as a youth] all coming together and singing 'oh Anto Cacace,' and kids from my old primary school, Holy Child, screaming my name, it fills me with pride and makes me emotional.
"I was watching those good luck videos before I left the hotel just to give me that boost. I’m all about the up and coming—I want to inspire them.
"I’m just a normal boy from Andytown and I want to show that anyone can do this. With hard work, dedication, and sacrifice, anyone can get here."
