Liverpool southpaw meets Anthony Cacace with the super-featherweight championship on the line at Dublin’s 3Arena
Jazza Dickens puts the WBA super-featherweight title on the line March 14 when he faces Anthony Cacace at the 3Arena in Dublin, Ireland, live on DAZN. The bout matches the Liverpool southpaw in his first title defense against a former champion who has rebuilt his career during the past year.
Dickens (36-5, 15 KOs), 34, became WBA champion after stopping Olympic gold medalist Albert Batyrgaziev to claim the interim belt before being elevated to full champion in December when Lamont Roach was stripped. The fight with Cacace places the champion back in the ring after the longest climb of his career.
Cacace (24-1, 9 KOs), 37, returns to the title stage following victories over Josh Warrington and Leigh Wood after his breakthrough win against Joe Cordina in Riyadh in 2024. The Belfast fighter previously held the IBF championship and now seeks a second world title.
Speaking to BBC, Cacace acknowledged the motivation Dickens carries into his first defense.
“Jazza has been waiting the guts of 15 years, longer to become a world champion, so I know it’s not going to be easy,” Cacace said.
“It’s a hard sport and we all give a lot of hard work, sacrifice and I think it’s going to be a real gruelling fight.”
Dickens enters the bout after rebuilding his career following several setbacks earlier in his run. After defeats to Kid Galahad and Hector Andres Sosa, the Liverpool fighter returned with a decision victory over Zelfa Barrett before his stoppage win over Batyrgaziev pushed him into the championship position.
Dickens said those difficult moments shaped his run to the belt.
“There were times when I thought: ‘What is all this about?’ When it was really hard,” Dickens told ESPN.
“I’m glad I’ve been patient all these years because I finally got the opportunities when nobody believed in me.”
From a tactical standpoint, the early rounds will revolve around distance. Dickens fights from the southpaw stance and usually builds his offense behind the jab before setting his feet and letting combinations go. Cacace prefers to close distance and work at close range, where short hooks and inside punches become part of his offense.
Cacace also reflected on the moment as he prepares for another shot at a world championship.
“Fighting for my second world title, things can’t get better than that,” he said.
The card also includes unbeaten Dublin contender Pierce O’Leary (18-0, 10 KOs) against former world champion Maxi Hughes (29-8, 6 KOs).
Saturday night in Dublin places the WBA super-featherweight belt on the line. Dickens steps into the ring defending a title he chased for years, while Cacace enters looking to add another world championship to his record.
Weights & Fight Card:
Jazza Dickens 129.14 lbs vs Anthony Cacace 129.5 lbs
Pierce O’Leary 139.8 lbs vs Maxi Hughes 139.12 lbs
Jono Carroll 129.1 lbs vs Colm Murphy 129.1 lbs
Steven Cairns 134.7 lbs vs Arnie Dawson 134.11 lbs
Thomas Carty 263 lbs vs German Skobenko 245 lbs
Eoghan Lavin 159.15 lbs vs Liam Walsh 158.15 lbs
Bobbi Flood 155.13 lbs vs Bela Istvan Orban 152.4 lbs
Garry Cully 142.10 lbs vs Benito Sanchez Garcia 143 lbs