Anthony Cacace wins second world title after victory over James Dickens in Dublin
Belfast’s Anthony Cacace has been crowned the new WBA super-featherweight champion after securing a unanimous decision over Liverpool’s James ‘Jazza’ Dickens in front of a packed crowd at Dublin’s 3 Arena.
Cacace added another world title to his collection having previously claimed the IBF version in 2024, which he vacated last year.
In a fiercely contested bout, the 37-year-old did just enough to dethrone Dickens, with the judges scoring the fight 116-113, 116-112, and 115-113 in his favour.
The match was tense and competitive but never quite ignited fully, with both fighters exchanging periods of dominance.
The atmosphere was electric as Cacace capitalised on his recent impressive form to keep his name among the division’s elite, alongside Mexico’s Emanuel Navarrete (WBO and IBF) and America’s O’Shaquie Foster (WBC).
Speaking to DAZN after the fight, Cacace said: “That showed you what I can do on a poor night at the office and still win a world title. Jazza had an awkward style, a southpaw and was hard to hit but I’m the new world champion.”
Dickens, gracious in defeat, admitted his late surge wasn’t enough and expressed his disappointment.
“I could have been different on another night. I’m happy for Anto, but it’s gutting,” he told reporters.
“We thought we were ahead until we heard the scorecards and had to change the plan, but I can’t complain and I’m not crying about it. Who knows what’s next, but I will just put my trust in the Lord.”
In a clash of seasoned veterans, Cacace and Dickens entered the ring with everything to play for, knowing victory could propel their careers while defeat would force them to reassess their futures.
The stakes contributed to a cautious, tense contest, with Cacace ultimately displaying the extra determination and skill needed to edge past his rival.
It may not have been a vintage performance from the Northern Irishman, but he did enough to secure a hard-fought win, taking his record to 25 victories and just one defeat.
The undercard provided further intrigue, as Southampton’s Ryan Garner made a statement by stopping Cristian Bielma in just three rounds, extending his unbeaten run to 19-0.
Garner wasted no time in staking his claim for a shot at the title, making clear his ambition to challenge next. However, Cacace appears to have loftier targets, telling reporters: “All respect to Ryan Garner, an up-and-comer, but I want bigger names and unifications.”
Promoter Frank Warren promised the Dublin crowd that Cacace would return in the summer, potentially for a homecoming bout in Belfast, leaving future match-ups wide open.
For Dickens, the defeat brings an end to his four-fight winning streak and sends him back to the drawing board. He may now be a suitable opponent for Garner should the latter continue his ascent.
Despite his disappointment, Dickens was only a whisker away from handing Cacace his first loss since 2017 and showed he remains a formidable presence at the top level.