On May 10, at the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham, Anthony Cacace defeated Leigh Wood by ninth-round TKO to successfully defend his IBO super featherweight title. Following this career-best performance, attention quickly turned to the options for Anthony Cacace next fight. Here are three realistic options – one of which stands out as the most likely.
Anthony Cacace Next Fight: Who Could Be Next After Leigh Wood Triumph
Anthony Cacace Next Fight: O’Shaquie Foster
Cacace’s career reached new heights on May 18, 2024, when he dismantled Joe Cordina to win the IBF super featherweight title. It was an impressive display, with his accuracy and power proving too much for the Welshman.
After that shock victory, he defeated Josh Warrington by unanimous decision, before choosing to vacate the IBF title and take the more financially lucrative fight against Wood (28-4, 17 KOs).
Looking ahead, Cacace (24-1, 9 KOs) made his intentions for the future clear when speaking to Andi Purewal from Boxing News after his win over Wood. He said: “I think [Foster is] who it is – that’s who we’ll get.”
“We’ll fight for the WBC Three Likely Opponent Options After May 10 Win in Belfast soon. O’Shaquie hasn’t really [had] the opportunities, so that’s a big opportunity for him – to come over and fight me in Belfast.
“We’ll just have to see if he’s got the guts. I’ll knock him out [if the fight materialises].”
Foster is solid defensively and has a strong jab, and will look to frustrate Anto, should the fight materialise. The Belfast native has an impressive arsenal of punches and could well have too much for the American.
This would be a big fight in Belfast or America. I could see it happening at The Theater at Madison Square Garden. But Frank Warren did say in the ring after the fight that he wants to give Cacace a big homecoming fight.
Emanuel Navarrete or Charley Suarez
Not long after Cacace-Wood, there was super featherweight action in San Diego as Emanuel Navarrete faced Charly Suarez for Navarrete’s WBO title. The bout ended in a controversial technical decision win for the Mexican after he sustained a cut that was ruled to have come from an accidental clash of heads – though many argue the replay shows a clear punch.
Lance Pugmire from BoxingScene has reported that The California State Athletic Commission is expected to convert the result to a no-contest, meaning a rematch between the two could likely be next.
A fight between Cacace and Navarrete (40-2-1, 32 KOs) would likely generate far more interest than a bout with the awkward Suarez (18-1, 10 KOs), who was well in the fight against the Mexican when it was stopped. If Vaquero can navigate past Suarez in a potential rematch, a fight against Cacace would guarantee fireworks with both come-forward fighters who carry plenty of venom in their shots.
Eduardo Nunez or Masanori Rikiishi
On May 28 at Yokohama Buntai, Yokohama, Eduardo Nunez (27-1, 27 KOs) and Masanori Rikiishi (16-1, 11 KOs) will clash for the vacant IBF super featherweight title. Despite Cacace deciding to vacate, if the money is right for him to face the winner in a Belfast homecoming, this could still be a viable option.
Nunez is ferocious and throws everything with knockout intent. Rikiishi has bounced back impressively since his defeat to Kosuke Saka in 2018. He is a 5′ 9½″ southpaw who looks to control the tempo and distance of his fights with his jab. The Japanese fighter carries power in both hands and throws effective 1-2 combinations.
If the money is right, Anthony Cacace’s next fight could see him attempt to reclaim the IBF crown.
