Cacace’s rise to the top of the WBA rankings has been one of the most heartwarming stories in British and Irish boxing. Long considered one of the most talented but under-promoted fighters in the country, he finally broke through to the world stage in 2024. His career-defining moment came in Saudi Arabia, where he stunned the boxing world by stopping the highly-regarded Joe Cordina to capture the IBF version of the super-featherweight title.
That victory acted as a springboard. Although he later vacated the IBF title, his trajectory remained upward. Wins over high-profile names like Josh Warrington and Leigh Wood further solidified his standing as a elite operator at 130 pounds. Those successes paved the way for a shot at the then-WBA champion James ‘Jazza’ Dickens earlier this year, a fight that saw Cacace produce another masterclass to claim the black-and-gold belt.
"I always wanted to come back and have one big show," Cacace said, reflecting on the journey that led him back to Belfast. "It’s a dream come true. I never believed I’d be in this situation, but here I am."
The champion is under no illusions about the style of fight Nick Ball will bring to the ring. He expects a relentless assault from the opening bell, but he believes his experience and versatility will be the deciding factors. "I’m just expecting the usual Nick Ball, [he’ll] come forward with aggression. I feel like I can do it all. I can deal with him and deal with those styles for 20-plus years, so it’s just going to be another fight, another good fight and hopefully a good show for Belfast."
As the city of Belfast prepares to host its latest world title clash, the stakes could not be higher. For Nick Ball, it is a chance to prove that his loss to Figueroa was merely a setback and that he belongs among the elite in a second weight class. For Anthony Cacace, it is an opportunity to cement his legacy in front of his own people and perhaps, if the stars align, secure a date with greatness in the form of Vasiliy Lomachenko.
With the O2 Belfast expected to be at capacity, the clash between the tall, technical champion and the short, explosive challenger promises to be a highlight of the boxing calendar. While the boxing world may be looking ahead to potential unifications and legendary match-ups, the two men in the center of the ring on December 19 will be focused only on each other, and the gold that hangs in the balance.
