Anthony Cacace’s rise to the top of the boxing world has been marked by hard work, determination, and a refusal to give up in the face of adversity
From his early victories in Belfast to his stunning TKO win over Joe Cordina, Cacace has proven time and again that he belongs among the best in the sport.
As the reigning IBF super-featherweight champion, he has already made history, and there’s no doubt that the best is yet to come for this Irish boxing star.
As the IBF super-featherweight champion, the future looks bright for Anthony Cacace. With his impressive victory over Joe Cordina, Cacace has solidified his place among the elite fighters in the division.
There are already talks of potential unification bouts with other champions in the division, offering Cacace the opportunity to further cement his legacy.
His fan base in Ireland and beyond continues to grow, and his story serves as an inspiration to young boxers who dream of making it to the top.
Cacace’s journey from his early days in Belfast to becoming a world champion is a story of perseverance, talent, and heart. With more fights on the horizon, boxing fans are eager to see what the future holds for this Irish champion.
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Table of Contents
Anthony Cacace: Who Is He?
From Belfast to World Champion
Anthony Cacace, an Irish professional boxer, has captured the imagination of boxing fans with his powerful punches and unwavering determination.1
Born on February 2, 1989, Cacace’s journey to the top of the super-featherweight division is a story of perseverance, dedication, and grit. His rise to fame culminated in May 2024 when he became the IBF super-featherweight champion, marking a historic moment for Irish boxing.
But before reaching the pinnacle of his career, Cacace endured many challenges and successes, each contributing to his reputation as one of the most resilient fighters in the sport.
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Making His Mark
Cacace’s professional career began on February 25, 2012, when he faced Ben Wager at the Emerald Roadhouse in Belfast. Cacace announced his arrival with a bang, winning by first-round technical knockout (TKO), and immediately set the tone for what would become a successful career.
Over the next few months, he racked up three more victories, defeating Kristian Laight by points decision (PTS), Mickey Coveney by TKO in the sixth round, and Aivaras Balsys by PTS.
In November of that year, Cacace faced Mickey Coveney for the second time, this time for the BUI super-featherweight title at the National Basketball Arena in Dublin. Demonstrating his growing dominance, Cacace won by first-round TKO, capturing his first title.
He rounded out 2012 with a points victory over Youssef al-Hamidi, marking a perfect year and setting the stage for greater challenges ahead.
Anthony Cacace: Career
Building Momentum: 2013 to 2015
The years following his initial success were instrumental in developing Cacace’s skillset and confidence.2
In 2013, Cacace gained decision victories over Zsolt Nagy and Osnel Charles, followed by a TKO win against Dawid Knade and another points victory over Simas Volosinas in 2014.
Each of these fights showcased his ability to adapt and strategize against diverse opponents, enhancing his standing within the boxing community.
In 2015, Cacace continued his winning streak, securing a PTS victory against Santiago Bustos and a TKO win over Karoly Lakatos. His year culminated in a title fight against Ronnie Clark for the vacant Celtic super-featherweight title in Edinburgh.
Cacace dominated the bout, winning via tenth-round TKO to claim the Celtic title. This victory solidified his reputation as a serious contender in the super-featherweight division.
First Career Setback: The Battle with Martin J Ward
Despite his string of victories, Cacace faced a major challenge in 2017 when he went up against British super-featherweight champion Martin J Ward.
The fight, held at Wembley Arena in London, also had the vacant Commonwealth title on the line. It was a closely contested battle that went the distance, but Cacace experienced the first defeat of his career, losing by unanimous decision (UD) after 12 hard-fought rounds. Judges scored the fight 116–113, 116–114, and 115–113, all in favor of Ward.
This setback, however, did not deter Cacace. Determined to bounce back, he returned to the ring in December 2017 and won a PTS victory over Reynaldo Mora. It was clear that Cacace was determined to learn from his defeat and continue his ascent in the boxing world.
Overcoming Obstacles: Return to the Ring and the British Title
After a 14-month hiatus, Cacace returned to action in February 2019, securing an eight-round PTS win against Alan Castillo. However, his comeback was far from straightforward.
Cacace had been lined up to challenge reigning British super-featherweight champion Sam Bowen on August 3, 2019, but Bowen pulled out of the fight due to a back injury. The fight was rescheduled for November 30, 2019, at Arena Birmingham, and this time, Cacace was ready.
In a dramatic showdown, Cacace captured the British super-featherweight title via split decision (SD). Two judges scored the fight 115–113 in Cacace’s favor, while the third scored it 115–112 to Bowen. This victory marked a significant milestone in Cacace’s career, proving that he could overcome adversity and rise to the occasion when it mattered most.
IBF Super-Featherweight Champion: The Career-Defining Fight
Cacace’s crowning achievement came on May 18, 2024, when he faced unbeaten Welsh champion Joe Cordina for the IBF super-featherweight title.
The fight took place on the undercard of the highly anticipated Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk bout, ensuring that all eyes were on Cacace and Cordina. From the start, Cacace showed that he was not intimidated by Cordina’s reputation.
In the third round, Cacace dropped Cordina and badly hurt him, sending shockwaves through the crowd. Sensing an opportunity, Cacace kept up the pressure, eventually securing an eighth-round TKO victory.
The win was the pinnacle of his career, not only making him the IBF super-featherweight champion but also cementing his legacy as the first-ever Irish boxer to hold the super-featherweight title.
This victory was the defining moment of Cacace’s professional journey, proving that he could perform at the highest level on one of boxing’s biggest stages.
Anthony Cacace: Fighting Style and Strengths
Cacace’s fighting style is defined by his technical prowess and powerful punches. Standing at 5 feet 10 inches, he is taller than many of his opponents in the super-featherweight division, giving him a reach advantage.3
His jab is one of his most effective weapons, allowing him to keep opponents at bay while setting up combinations. Cacace also has a solid defense, utilizing good head movement and footwork to avoid punches and control the pace of the fight.
One of Cacace’s most admirable traits is his ability to maintain composure under pressure. Whether he is ahead on the scorecards or facing adversity, he has shown time and again that he can remain focused on executing his game plan. This mental toughness has been critical to his success, especially in high-stakes fights like his bout against Joe Cordina.
Overcoming Setbacks: Lessons from Defeat
The loss to Martin J Ward in 2017 was a pivotal moment in Cacace’s career. Rather than being a devastating blow, the defeat served as a learning experience.
Cacace used the fight as an opportunity to assess his weaknesses and make adjustments to his approach. He became more disciplined in his training and focused on refining his technique, which paid off in his later victories.
Every great fighter faces setbacks, and Cacace’s resilience in bouncing back from defeat has been one of his defining characteristics. His journey is a testament to the idea that success is not about avoiding failure but learning how to rise after being knocked down.
Anthony Cacace: Net Worth 2024
As of 2024, Anthony Cacace, the talented Northern Irish professional boxer, boasts a net worth of approximately $2 million.
This impressive figure is largely the result of his earnings from fight purses, championship bonuses, and a few strategic endorsements. Cacace’s career trajectory illustrates the financial rewards that can accompany success in the boxing world.
Cacace’s primary source of income stems from the fight purses he receives for his bouts. The boxing world often rewards fighters handsomely, especially for title fights and high-stakes matches.
Cacace’s journey has been marked by several pivotal moments that significantly contributed to his financial growth.
Title Fights: Key Financial Contributors
Title fights represent the pinnacle of a boxer’s career and come with lucrative financial rewards. Cacace has fought in notable title matches that not only elevated his status but also enriched his bank account.
His championship bouts, particularly for the British title and the IBO world title, have been substantial contributors to his net worth.
Breakdown of Fight Earnings
One of Cacace’s standout paydays occurred during his match against Joe Cordina. This fight was pivotal in boosting his earnings and solidifying his reputation within the sport. Below is a detailed breakdown of some of his significant fight purses:
Cacace’s fight against Joe Cordina is estimated to have earned him between $500,000 to $1 million, marking it as his biggest payday to date. These earnings demonstrate the significant financial stakes involved in high-profile boxing matches.
Tracking Anthony Cacace’s net worth over the years showcases his steady rise in the boxing world. From humble beginnings to becoming a recognized name, his financial progress reflects his dedication and success in the ring.
Year-by-Year Breakdown
Here’s a look at Cacace’s net worth growth year by year:
The data illustrates a remarkable increase in Cacace’s net worth, especially between 2023 and 2024, when it doubled. This substantial growth can be attributed to his successful fights, including championship matches that come with higher purses.
Strategic Endorsements
- While Anthony Cacace has not pursued a plethora of endorsements, he has strategically partnered with select brands that align with his image as a professional athlete.
- These partnerships contribute additional revenue streams, enhancing his overall financial status.
- Cacace has focused on collaborating with local brands in Northern Ireland, particularly in the fitness and sports equipment sectors.
- These partnerships not only provide financial benefits but also help strengthen his connection to his home country. By supporting local businesses, Cacace fosters a sense of community while also boosting his public image.
- Although the endorsement deals may not be as prominent as those of other high-profile athletes, they still contribute meaningfully to Cacace’s overall net worth.
- Endorsements can often provide athletes with a platform to showcase their personality and values, further engaging fans and supporters.
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