All consideration turned to Dublin Docklands this afternoon as fighters and gathered on the Gibson Lodge to stipulate the stakes forward of a stacked Paddy’s Weekend present, headlined by Anthony Cacace’s world title conflict with Jazza Dickens.
On the prime of the invoice, Belfast’s Anthony ‘The Apache’ Cacace struck a composed tone as he spoke about his private objectives and what the bout means for his profession and legacy.
“It’s like a dream for me to turn out to be a two-time world champion” mentioned Cacace. “I wish to go down with the names like Carl Frampton and Katie Taylor, I wish to be an enormous identify and go down in historical past.”
The previous IBF and IBO world champion additionally spoke warmly of Dickens, praising his profession longevity and willingness to check himself in opposition to powerful opposition through the years.
“I respect Jazza, he’s a very good fighter and a very good lad” he added. “I’ve been watching him Jazza for a very long time, I’ve been a supporter of his. It’s a pleasure to share the ring with him… a terrific champion who fought all the nice guys in Britain and Eire all through the years.”
Dickens held the identical sentiment, talking warmly about Eire and Irish boxing, describing Dublin as a second dwelling away from Liverpool.
“The respect is unbelievable. I really feel very grateful, it seems like a homecoming to me… its nice to see Eire thriving once more and to see huge boxing again, I’m very pleased with town, I’d class it as a second dwelling” mentioned Dickens
When dialogue turned from reflection in the direction of the truth of the struggle, Cacace’s tone sharpened, describing the bout because the hardest check of his profession, insisting he’s ready to go to the deepest waters if required.
“That is simply going to be my hardest struggle thus far…If I’ve to die in there, I’ll die, and I really feel like Jazza is strictly the identical and that makes for an absolute warfare, we’re going to present you all an evening to recollect” he mentioned.
With bookmakers viewing Dickens because the underdog within the struggle, the Liverpudlian was fast to dismiss the speak, insisting that perception and respect for his opponent has at all times mattered greater than odds.
“I don’t make a lot of the bookies’ odds, I’m at all times the underdog” he mentioned. “Within the bookies’ eyes is perhaps, however in my thoughts I’m not, that’s all that issues…I’m not going to go ego-first and go disrespect this man, I’m going to go and practice my hardest to do what I can and are available out the victor… however I do know it’s going to be a troublesome night time”
