ANTHONY Cacace recorded a thrilling knockout win over Leigh Wood in Nottingham. Hurting Wood, who fell into the ropes for a count, Cacace piled on the pressure, forcing Wood’s training team to throw in the towel at 2-15 of round nine.
Enjoying the greater career momentum, sharper Cacace set about testing Wood’s ring absence. The Nottingham man had a slight blemish around the left eye as he looked to shake any remaining rust. Cacace’s right hand was helping increase the markings.
The Belfastman turned southpaw in the third as Wood tried to establish his left jab. Cacace landed a thudding right hand in that same round, shaking Wood like a tree. Those same head-snapping lefts found a home in the fourth as Cacace exited the session with a grin.
That knowing smile followed into the final minute of the sixth as Wood’s head suddenly became stationary once again. Cacace bopped it around with stiff shots from both hands. Wood was clearly hurt, struggling with the smooth movements and judgment of distance from the Irishman.
The kind of encouragement Wood needed arrived in round eight as a slash to the cheek, plus blood from the nose started dripping into view. Referee John Latham warned Cacace for rabbit punching. The distinctive red boots moved in unison as he glided in and out of action.
As the left hook landed repeatedly, Cacace’s accurate power punching floored Wood in round nine. Rising from a count, shaking his head in disbelief, Wood’s head soon shook again from Cacace’s blows. To his credit, the Nottingham man refused to cave, even when wobbling around the ring.
Wood’s senses were scrambled. Referee Latham hovered but couldn’t quite bring himself to end the mauling. Trainer Ben Davison made that decision for him, lobbing the towel across the ropes to close matters.
Wood may now retire at 28-4 (17 KOs) while Cacace has a few more big nights left in him as he roars to 24-1 (9 KOs).
“I put a lot of pressure on myself, I came in with a lot of negative feelings. I didn’t beat the best Leigh Wood, I know that,” said Cacace.
“I got the win the same as I always do. I travel here, I conquer and go home to Andytown. I took this fight for solely money. Double the money for this than Nunez [mandatory IBF challenger]. I’m 36, it’s time for me to keep it trucking, let’s go!”
Frank Warren promised Cacace a homecoming fight in Belfast. The veteran promoter described his man as a star who defies the odds. Wood admitted it was harder than usual to capture his rhythm, calling Cacace a gentleman, hoping his conqueror would extend his run of form. The loser didn’t rule out retirement when pressed by the DAZN interviewer.
