FORMER super-featherweight world champion Anthony Cacace will enter a mouth-watering showdown against Leigh Wood at the Nottingham Arena, England, on May 10.
The 36-year-old announced just ten days ago that, instead of taking on mandatory challenger Eduardo ‘Sugar’ Nunez, he had decided to vacate his IBF strap.
After producing a stunning performance to dethrone Joe Cordina last May, the Irishman retained his red and gold belt with a comprehensive points victory over Josh Warrington in September.
But now, Cacace, 23-1 (8 KOs), must defend his IBO trinket against Wood, 28-3 (17 KOs), who has not fought since his seventh-round stoppage win against Warrington back in 2023.
Just over a year before his emphatic performance, Wood produced an awe-inspiring 12th-round finish over Michael Conlan, defending his WBA featherweight title in scintillating fashion.
Then, after losing to tenacious Mexican operator Mauricio Lara inside the distance, ‘Leigh-thal’ avenged his defeat with a vastly more disciplined display through 12 rounds.
Following a lengthy spell of inactivity, though, the 36-year-old will now be looking to establish himself at 130lbs with a statement performance against Cacace.
Their hotly anticipated clash is one of three shows that were announced on Queensberry’s social media platforms earlier today, with Frank Warren delivering a plethora of appetizing dustups to kickstart his 2025 schedule on DAZN.
Despite entering his next assignment as the challenger, Wood will return to his home city of Nottingham for the first time since 2023.
As for Cacace – who is no stranger to fighting on the road – the idea of defending his belt on away soil should only enhance his motivation.
