Anthony Cacace: The Rise of Ireland’s IBF Super-Featherweight Champion
Anthony Cacace, born on February 2, 1989, in Belfast, Northern Ireland, is a highly skilled and determined professional boxer who has carved out a significant career in the competitive world of boxing. Known for his sharp technique, quick reflexes, and impressive knockout power, Cacace has steadily made a name for himself on the international stage.1
As of May 2024, he holds the IBF Super-Featherweight title, a testament to his perseverance and dedication. His journey to the top has been marked by resilience, hard work, and an unwavering belief in his ability to succeed.
Table of Contents
Early Life and Introduction to Boxing
Anthony Cacace grew up in Belfast, a city with a rich boxing history and a strong tradition of producing tough, gritty fighters. Like many boxers, Cacace’s introduction to the sport came at an early age.
He began boxing as a teenager, using the sport as an outlet to channel his energy and avoid the temptations of street life. His natural talent was evident from the beginning, and he quickly became a standout in local boxing clubs.
Amateur Career and Early Professional Fights
Cacace’s amateur career saw him compete at the national level, where he quickly established himself as one of Ireland’s most promising young boxers.
He won several regional and national titles, building a reputation for his technical skill, ring IQ, and ability to adapt to different styles of opponents. His success in the amateur ranks set the stage for his transition to the professional level.
Breakthrough Moment: British Super-Featherweight Title
Cacace’s first major breakthrough came in 2017 when he fought for the British Super-Featherweight title. In a hard-fought contest, Cacace showcased his resilience and skill, winning the title and establishing himself as one of the top super-featherweights in the UK.
This victory was a turning point in his career, as it gave him the platform to compete on a bigger stage and pursue international titles.
Overcoming Setbacks and Challenges
While Cacace’s career was on the rise, it wasn’t without its setbacks. Injuries and cancellations caused by outside factors, including fights falling through at the last minute, slowed his progress at various points.2
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However, Cacace remained undeterred, using each setback as motivation to train harder and come back stronger. His ability to overcome adversity has been one of the defining features of his career.
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Professional Career: Anthony Cacace’s Journey to the Top
Anthony Cacace made his professional boxing debut on February 25, 2012, at the Emerald Roadhouse in Belfast, Northern Ireland. In his first fight, Cacace showcased the power and skill that would define his career, scoring an impressive first-round technical knockout (TKO) victory over Ben Wager.3
This explosive debut was a clear indication that Cacace had the potential to make a significant impact in the sport.
Early Professional Fights and Building Momentum
Following his successful debut, Cacace continued to build momentum in the early stages of his professional career. Over the next few years, he steadily worked his way through the super-featherweight ranks, compiling an impressive series of victories.
His early fights primarily took place in Ireland and the UK, where he quickly developed a reputation as a dangerous and technically sound fighter.
First Major Title Opportunity: Celtic Super-Featherweight Championship
- After amassing an undefeated record in his first ten fights, Cacace earned his first title shot in 2014, when he faced Ronnie Clark for the vacant Celtic Super-Featherweight Championship.
- The fight was a pivotal moment in Cacace’s career, as it marked his first opportunity to secure a championship belt.
- Cacace rose to the occasion, displaying his trademark blend of power and precision. Over the course of the fight, he outclassed his opponent, landing clean shots while effectively managing the pace of the bout.
- His performance culminated in a unanimous decision victory, earning him the Celtic Super-Featherweight title and solidifying his status as a top prospect in the division.
Setbacks and Resilience
Despite his early success, Cacace’s career faced some challenges, including injuries and long periods of inactivity. These setbacks threatened to derail his progress, but Cacace remained determined to reach the top.
In 2017, he returned to the ring to face British super-featherweight champion Martin J. Ward for the prestigious British title. The fight was a competitive contest, with both fighters showcasing their skills, but Cacace ultimately fell short, suffering his first professional defeat via unanimous decision.
Anthony Cacace’s Net Worth Details: A Financial Overview of the Irish Boxing Champion
Anthony Cacace has steadily risen to prominence in the boxing world, and with his growing success in the ring has come financial rewards.
As of 2024, Cacace’s estimated net worth is $2 million. This wealth is the result of years of dedication to his craft, along with key victories in his boxing career, which have not only earned him titles but also significantly boosted his earnings.
17 weeks ago today an inspiring @AntoC6 realised his dreams and became IBF and IBO World Champion. 1 week from now he’s going to do everything to keep the dream going!
The hard work’s done, the sacrifices have been made, he’s in frightening shape and is more than ready! pic.twitter.com/z78KgKOqM8
— Barry O’Neill (@Barry_ONeill92) September 14, 2024
Early Career Earnings and Struggles
When Anthony Cacace made his professional debut in 2012, he entered the sport like many others—without any immediate large paydays or significant financial backing. The early stages of his career were focused on building his reputation, improving his skills, and earning modest purses from his fights.
Most young boxers, especially those just starting in the sport, struggle to gain traction financially. Cacace was no different, fighting for smaller promotions in the UK and Ireland, which, while helping him build his undefeated streak, did not translate into high-profile or lucrative fights early on.
Rise to Prominence: Earning Title Fights and Bigger Purses
Cacace’s career took a significant turn when he started competing for titles. His first major title, the Celtic super-featherweight championship, came in 2014. While winning a regional title does not immediately guarantee substantial financial rewards, it marked an important milestone in Cacace’s career.
It put him on the radar of promoters and larger boxing organizations and opened doors for higher-paying opportunities.
Breakthrough Fight: Winning the British Super-Featherweight Title
In 2019, Cacace secured the British super-featherweight title by defeating Sam Bowen, a victory that played a crucial role in elevating his career. The British boxing scene is one of the most vibrant and competitive in the world, and winning a British title is often seen as a stepping stone to global recognition.
For Cacace, this win not only solidified his status as one of the top super-featherweight fighters in the UK, but it also marked a turning point in his financial fortunes.
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Anthony Cacace’s Remarkable Journey: From Delivery Driver to IBF Champion
Anthony Cacace, known to fans as “The Apache” and sometimes as “Anto,” is a testament to resilience in the face of adversity. The 35-year-old Irishman’s journey to becoming the IBF super-featherweight champion has been a rollercoaster ride, filled with challenges that few professional athletes face.
Despite his obvious talent in the sport, Cacace has had a stop-start career that saw him fighting just once a year over the last half-decade. This was due to the unfortunate series of canceled fights, promotional issues, and financial difficulties that forced him to take a job delivering Chinese takeout just a year before his breakthrough.
Early Career: A Promising Start with Unexpected Setbacks
Anthony Cacace turned professional in February 2012 with a bang, scoring a first-round technical knockout (TKO) over Ben Wager in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
From that debut, it was clear that he possessed the skills and power to make waves in the super-featherweight division. His technique, combined with his aggressive fighting style, drew attention, and he quickly began climbing the ranks of the sport.
Balancing Boxing and Delivering Takeout
At one point, Cacace was forced to take a job delivering Chinese takeout to support his family. Despite his status as a professional athlete, the inconsistency of his boxing income meant that he needed additional work to make ends meet.
It was a humbling experience for Cacace, who had always dreamed of reaching the top of his sport but found himself struggling to pay bills while awaiting his next big fight.
Breaking Through in 2024: Winning the IBF Super-Featherweight Title
Cacace’s breakthrough came in May 2024 when he captured the IBF super-featherweight title. This victory marked the culmination of over a decade of hard work and dedication. It wasn’t just about winning a belt—it was about overcoming the obstacles that had been in his path for so long. Cacace had finally found consistency in his career, and it was paying off.
Anthony Cacace Eyes Big Fights and Big Money After Triumphant Return to Belfast
Anthony Cacace, who has long been known for his resilience and skill inside the ring, is now positioning himself for the kind of high-profile bouts that come with big paydays. His recent victory over Damian Wrzesinski, which took place in his hometown of Belfast, marked his triumphant return after eight years away from the city.
Cacace retained his IBO super-featherweight title with a dominant unanimous decision (118-111, 117-111, 116-112), solidifying his claim as one of the top fighters in his division.
A Long-Awaited Return to Belfast
The fight against Wrzesinski held deep personal significance for Cacace. It was his first fight in Belfast in eight years, a long-awaited homecoming that allowed him to reconnect with his local fanbase.
Fighting in front of a supportive crowd, Cacace delivered a confident and calculated performance, controlling the bout with his superior technical skills and ring intelligence. Wrzesinski proved to be a durable and determined opponent, but Cacace’s sharp combinations and effective use of his southpaw stance ensured that he remained in control throughout the fight.
The Road Ahead: Cacace’s Ambitions for Big Fights
After his victory over Wrzesinski, Anthony Cacace made it clear that he is now focused on securing big fights that come with significant financial rewards.
Cacace, now an IBF super-featherweight champion, understands that the time is right to push for high-profile bouts that will elevate his career and bring in the kind of money that has eluded him for much of his professional journey.
From Delivery Driver to World Title Contender
Cacace’s pursuit of big money fights is especially meaningful given the challenges he has faced throughout his career. Just a year prior, Cacace was working as a delivery driver to make ends meet, balancing his day job with his commitment to boxing.
It was a humbling experience for a fighter of his talent, who had struggled to secure consistent fights due to the politics of boxing and a series of cancellations.
FAQ’S
1. Who is Anthony Cacace?
Ans: Anthony Cacace is a professional boxer from Belfast, Northern Ireland. Competing in the super featherweight and lightweight divisions, Cacace has built a strong reputation in British and European boxing circuits. He is known for his technical skill, power, and resilience in the ring.
2. How old is Anthony Cacace?
Ans: Anthony Cacace was born on February 2, 1989, making him 35 years old in 2024. Despite his age, Cacace remains a top contender in his division and continues to perform at an elite level.
3. What are Anthony Cacace’s career highlights?
Ans: Cacace has enjoyed a successful boxing career, highlighted by his British Super-Featherweight Championship win in 2019. He has also competed for the IBO World Super-Featherweight title and is regarded as one of Northern Ireland’s best boxing talents. Cacace has a strong professional record, with only a few losses.
4. What is Anthony Cacace’s net worth?
Ans: While exact figures vary, Anthony Cacace’s net worth is estimated to be around $1 million. His income is primarily derived from his boxing purses, sponsorships, and endorsements throughout his career.
5. What is Anthony Cacace’s personal life like?
Ans: Cacace keeps much of his personal life private. He is known for his strong connection to his family and his roots in Belfast. Outside of boxing, Cacace enjoys a relatively low-profile lifestyle, staying focused on his training and career. He has shared some moments of his personal life with fans through social media, often highlighting family and community support.
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