Anthony Cacace claimed the WBA super featherweight title with a decision victory over Jazza Dickens Saturday night in Dublin
Anthony Cacace (25-1, 9 KOs) defeated James “Jazza” Dickens (36-6, 15 KOs) by unanimous decision to win the WBA super featherweight title Saturday night at the 3Arena in Dublin, Ireland. Judges scored the 12-round fight 116-113, 116-112, and 115-113.
Cacace settled first. Using his height and reach, he worked behind the jab and kept Dickens moving while placing straight rights and hooks as the Liverpudlian tried to close range.
Dickens found moments in the early rounds with his footwork and higher workrate, stepping inside and landing quick punches before moving away. Cacace answered with right hands to the body and a sharp left hook that stood out during the opening third of the fight.
The turning point came in the fifth round. Cacace clipped Dickens with a left hook that forced the champion to tie up. Once the distance reopened, Cacace set his feet and let combinations go, landing a straight right followed by a left hook that again caught Dickens clean.
Cacace continued building momentum through the middle rounds, placing straight rights through the guard and controlling the pace. Dickens had success in the ninth round, using his movement and quick hands to land several clean punches.
The challenger handled the pressure in the final round as Dickens pushed forward trying to close the fight strong. Cacace maintained distance and kept the exchanges brief until the final bell.
All three judges returned cards for Cacace, making the Belfast fighter the new WBA super featherweight champion.
The victory continues Cacace’s run against elite opposition. The 37-year-old previously won the IBF title against Joe Cordina in 2024 before later vacating the belt.
“That showed you what I can do on a poor night at the office and still win a world title,” Cacace told DAZN after the fight. “Jazza had an awkward style, a southpaw and was hard to hit but I’m the new world champion.”
Dickens accepted the result afterward.
“I could have been different on another night. I’m happy for Anto, but it’s gutting,” Dickens said. “We thought we were ahead until we heard the scorecards and had to change the plan, but I can’t complain and I’m not crying about it.”