Cacace keeping the faith for Dickens duel

If there is a lesson to be found in keeping the faith when faced with setbacks, look no further than the career of Anthony Cacace.

On Saturday in Dublin's 3 Arena, the 37-year-old bids to become a two-time super-featherweight world champion when taking on WBA holder James 'Jazza' Dickens.

However, for much of his professional career, Cacace was something of a forgotten man.

His talent was never in question, but breaks were measured in X-rays rather than opportunities with injuries, opponent withdrawals and cancellations all too common.

Nonetheless, he kept grinding and grafting - pads by day and pizza delivery by night - waiting, hoping and believing his time would come.

The big chance arrived in May 2024 against IBF champion Joe Cordina on the undercard of Oleksandr Usyk v Tyson Fury in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Back with his old amateur team headed by Michael Hawkins, Cacace - born to a Belfast mother and Italian father - grabbed the opportunity with both hands, returning home to a hero's welcome and given the ultimate honour of a mural painted close to his parents' Andersonstown home in the west of the city to mark the occasion.

He hasn't looked back, defeating Josh Warrington at Wembley Stadium later that year and, after vacating the IBF title, beating Leigh Wood in Nottingham in May 2025, improving his record to 24 wins with one defeat.

"Fighting for my second world title, things can't get better than that," Cacace told BBC Sport NI as he prepared for another training day at Holy Trinity Boxing Club.

"I've had my fair share of letdowns and pull-outs at the last minute, but I can't complain because it's been all in God's plan. I really do genuinely believe everything that's happened has happened for a reason to set me up for times like these.

"To be up here with the boys [coaching team]: Ruairi [Dalton], Michael [Hawkins Jr], Barry [O'Neill], Micky [Hawkins] Sr - it's been set for me, I genuinely believe.

"It's like a dream come true, and I'm just really enjoying where I'm at at the moment."

While Cacace has taken the scenic route to the big nights, he is familiar with the mindset the champion will carry into this weekend.

Liverpool's Dickens came up short in world-title fights at super-bantamweight and featherweight before delivering the performance of his life when stopping 2020 Olympic gold medallist Albert Batyrgaziev to claim the 'interim' WBA title last July - upgraded to full champion in December.

"Jazza has been waiting the guts of 15 years, longer to become a world champion, so I know it's not going to be easy," Cacace predicts.

"It's a hard sport and we all give a lot of hard work, sacrifice and I think it's going to be a real gruelling fight.

"Jazza has just won the world title and he's trying to set his family up. I know what I'd be willing to do in his situation, so I can only say he is willing to do the same."

When it comes to faith, Cacace's is much deeper than boxing.

Before each fight, he pays a visit to St Jude's Shrine in Carlingford, County Louth to offer prayers and thanks for how his life has turned around.

"I go down, I say my prayers and I leave a wee message. In the same way as other boxers will have different types of rituals, that's mine."

If those prayers are answered this weekend, then Cacace will return home with a second world title belt.

Just a few years ago, such a scenario seemed like a long shot at best, but staying the course when it may have been easier to walk away from the sport has finally brought its rewards.

Providing for his family has always been the primary motivation but the opportunity to add to his legacy? He won't say no.

"This is to go down as one of the greatest Irish fighters ever, so no pressure," he said with a smile.

"It's mad because two years ago, no-one knew me. All of a sudden, I have a chance to fight for two world titles in two years.

"I never expected to be in this position. Everything I've wanted out of this sport, I have now. This is just an extra bonus, and a massive bonus at that. Hopefully, I can take this opportunity and make everyone proud."