Veteran trainer believes Cacace’s physical advantages could decide the March 14 WBA title fight in Dublin
Teddy Atlas believes Anthony Cacace has the tools to defeat Jazza Dickens and capture the WBA super featherweight title in Dublin. The veteran trainer backed the Belfast contender ahead of their March 14 fight at 3Arena.
Dickens (36-5, 15 KOs) enters the fight defending the belt after stopping Albert Batyrgaziev in his last outing. The Liverpool southpaw was later elevated to full WBA champion after Lamont Roach Jr was stripped of the title.
Cacace (24-1, 9 KOs) arrives in strong form after halting Leigh Wood and earlier stopping Joe Cordina, two wins that revived his position in the division. The Belfast fighter now travels a short distance across the Irish Sea with a chance to pick up another world title.
Atlas weighed in on the matchup through his The Ropes community and pointed to Cacace’s physical tools and tactical flexibility.
“I like the dimensions and options of Cacace to get it done,” Atlas said.
Dickens built his last win behind a sharp jab and straight left, stepping inside and working at close range once he established the distance. He is comfortable applying pressure and forcing exchanges along the ropes, where he can let combinations go.
Cacace brings a different set of problems. The taller fighter prefers to start slow letting the right hand go, and he showed against Cordina that he is dangerous when he opens up with combinations.
If Dickens can step inside and keep the fight at close quarters, he can test Cacace’s ability to handle sustained pressure. If Cacace maintains the distance behind his jab and sets his feet for the right hand, the fight likely moves in his direction.
The winner will leave Dublin holding the WBA super featherweight belt, while the division’s contenders begin circling for the next title opportunity.