Anthony Cacace is again on the legacy path and needs to etch his identify deeper into the Irish historical past books.
Having received the IBF world title by defeating Joe Cordina in Might of 2024, ‘The Apache’ went on the hunt for profitable scalps.
In a bid to safe his household’s monetary future, he sought purses, not prizes. That led to him vacating his world title and sharing the ring with Josh Warrington and Leigh Wooden, taking fights which, considerably paradoxically, enhanced his legacy in addition to his financial institution steadiness.
Legacy and never loot are again to the forefront of his thoughts as he prepares for one more world title alternative.
The Belfast fighter returns to Dublin on March 14th chasing WBA tremendous featherweight gold, and insists his motivation runs deeper than at any earlier stage.
If the Holy Trinity graduate dethrones world champion Jazza Dickens, he will probably be mentioned in the identical breath because the likes of Wayne McCullough, Steve Collins, Carl Frampton, Ryan Burnett, Katie Taylor and different fashionable greats.
“Earlier than, we spoke about monetary beneficial properties and all that,” he defined. “And yeah, it’s beautiful — I’ve received a home, we’re okay — however now it’s about legacy. I need this championship greater than something.
“I actually do imagine I need this greater than I wished to win the Cordina combat. I don’t know why — possibly as a result of I’ve seen what it takes and I do know I must be a world champion once more.”
Changing into a two time world champion could be large for the southpaw, significantly when you think about how he struggled for oppurtuinities to point out his expertise for a big a part of his profession.
Victory in Diublin on St Patrick’s week would seem like a crowing second however the Queensberry mentored figher believes there may be room on his head for extra accolladed.
“I take a look at the division and I imagine I’m prime ten. I ought to have a title once more.”
His opponent, Jazza Dickens, represents a novel problem — not simply stylistically however emotionally. Having lived and educated in Dublin in addition to pluging into the Irish boxing scene, the Liverpool native carries sturdy Irish connections, including a layer of familiarity to the competition.
“It nearly looks like I’m preventing one other Irish man,” Cacace mentioned. “He’s educated with individuals I do know, he’s buddies with fighters I’m near. There’s nothing however respect.”
Respect, nevertheless, received’t dilute the depth as soon as the bell rings.
“On the finish of the day, it’s whoever needs it most — and I actually, really need it.”
