The prospect of a legendary enhancement in his boxing resume, defeating James ‘Jazza’ Dickens to become a two-weight world champion, is Anthony Candace’s motivating force ahead of their Saturday showdown at 3Arena in Dublin atop a Queensberry Promotions card on DAZN.
Cacace’s rise has been a sight to behold as it took years of graft in the background to become an overnight sensation, besting Joe Cordina with an eighth-round knockout to unify two titles at super featherweight in 2024, before adding wins over Josh Warrington by decision, and Leigh Wood by ninth-round knockout over the next year, too.
“I win this title and I will go down as one of Ireland’s greatest ever fighters and that is what’s motivating me,” Cacace said in a statement sent to Boxing Social. “Two years ago I had absolutely nothing. Now I’ve won the IBO, the IBF, secured my family and done things I thought I couldn’t have.
“I’ve got a big heart and big balls and I want this title so badly.”
In Dickens, Cacace comes up against an established champion who has long been around the block, and has the WBA super featherweight that Cacace desperately wants. “I know Jazza has worked hard, got to this point and he’s not going to want to let it go. This has got all the makings of a great fight, a very fan-friendly fight. I am just buzzing about it.
“I want to cement my family name in boxing history,” he added. “I am the first Irish super featherweight champion, so to be two-time and be up there with the likes of Carl Frampton and Katie Taylor — that is what this is all about now.”
Jazza Dickens, who has done tape study of Cacace, said he was left “impressed by his style of boxing,” but is “prepared” for an exciting fight from the first bell.
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