Dickens and Cacace focus on title rather than talk

Despite the miserable weather, it wasn’t quite a storm in Dublin on Thursday, but one is quietly brewing for Saturday night when James ‘Jazza’ Dickens puts his WBA super-featherweight world title on the line against Anthony Cacace in the city’s 3 Arena.

As is the way, there were no bold statements or gimmicks from either at Thursday’s final press conference as their no-frills approach to the fight game ensured the exchanges were complimentary rather than confrontational.

Described as Cinderella Man v Cinderella Man, the pair have travelled rough terrain to get here and that is what sets this up perfectly.

Both have had their setbacks in boxing, with 34-year-old Dickens falling short in world title fights at super-bantamweight and featherweight before getting his hands on the gold when upgraded from the ‘interim’ title he won against Albert Batyrgaziev last summer.

Cacace, 37, endured years of disappointment before stopping Joe Cordina for the IBF version in May 2024, opting to vacate in order to face Leigh Wood in Nottingham last year.

“Until that first bell, all of this [build-up] is just nonsense and we have to sit here and talk,” said Liverpool’s Dickens.

“We just like to fight, but this is part of the business. I think we both just want to get in there and get the respect, throw some punches and shake hands after.”

Cacace is cut from the same cloth, with the Belfast man fully aware of what it has taken the champion to get here considering he has travelled a similar road.

“There is no point sitting here and saying ‘I’m going to do this and that’ because we are fighters and one punch can change everything,” Cacace said.

“I know Jazza has a big heart, same as me. We’re pretty similar in terms of career, so I fully respect Jazza for what he’s done in his career. He’s here for the same reason as me – to put food on the table for his family and that’s the bottom line.”

Legacy fuelling champion and challenger

Respect is not in short supply, but that doesn’t detract from the rivalry.

For the winner, there is the possibility of unifications and further big nights, but with both now well into their 30s, the ramifications of defeat can’t be downplayed.

Both have realised their dreams in the sport after so many tough days, but there is still more to do and Cacace is keen to make this most of this latest chance.

“Two years ago, I had absolutely nothing, but I’ve won the IBF, secured my family’s future and done things I never thought I would have – now it’s about legacy,” he said.

“I want to cement my family name in Irish boxing history. I am the first Irish super-featherweight champion and to go on to become two-time like Carl Frampton, Katie Taylor and all the greats, this is what it’s all about.

“I want this title so badly. I know Jazza has worked his whole life to get to this point and won’t want to let it go easy, so it has the makings of a fan-friendly fight.”

Dickens may be regarded as the away fighter, but Dublin is something of a second home because of his time training under coach Peter Taylor before making the switch to Dubai and Albert Aryrapetyan.

That move has resulted in an upturn in fortunes, but there is no resting on laurels as the champion insists he retains the challenger’s mindset.

“Like any fight, you train to win and then you want more and more,” Dickens said.

“The mentality doesn’t change when you become a champion.

“It would mean everything to me [to win], more that anyone could ever know. This is a dream I’ve had since I was a kid, so I’m going to give it everything.”