Anthony Cacace stopped Leigh Wood in the ninth round at the Motorpoint Arena on Saturday Anthony Cacace says he is hopeful of "doing something" in his home city of Belfast amid talk of a possible WBC super-featherweight world title shot against O'Shaquie Foster. The 36-year-old vacated the IBF belt to face Leigh Wood on Saturday but retained his IBO title with a ruthless ninth-round stoppage of the former two-time world champion in Nottingham. Just over a year ago Cacace was an unknown outside of local boxing circles but has firmly established himself as a major player in the division, doing so mostly on the road with his latest victory coming on his opponent's home turf. "I'm at the stage now where I'm literally top of the tree," said Cacace after extending his record to 24 wins and one loss from 25 fights. "I've disposed of all the top featherweights and super-featherweights in Britain, so I wouldn't mind bringing it back to Belfast and doing something before I hang up the gloves. "Winning the WBC title in front of my home crowd, which I'm very capable of doing, would be unbelievable." Cacace's spectacular run that began 12 months ago when he stopped the previously undefeated Joe Cordina has led to him grabbing the attention of the boxing world and performances like Saturday will only serve to boost his stock further. In the decisive ninth round, a long, snaking right followed by a left saw Wood stagger back and be held up by the ropes before the 36-year-old beat referee John Latham's count. But there was no letting the challenger off the hook as Cacace finished superbly, thudding home punches that prompted Wood's trainer Ben Davison to throw in the towel. Just Cacace's ninth win inside the distance, he said he did not want to afford Wood the opportunity to show his feted powers of recovery. "I thought to myself, you know, he's a Cinderella man. "People have had him like that and then he ends up sparking them out, so I just said to myself, 'Empty the tank'. "I knew he was gone, and I was very aware that I could have blew up, but I felt that was him, I could see Ben there ready [so] just keep punching until he throws it in." Anthony Cacace had knocked Leigh Wood into the ropes prior to the ninth-round stoppage Wood was returning to the ring after a 19-month break, but following wins over Cordina and Josh Warrington, Cacace has now beaten three two-time champions in succession. "I don't know if I fought the best Leigh Wood, but I fought Leigh Wood as again he's another two-time world champion," he said. "He's beaten some really good names. It was a fight he's been asking for, a fight that he's been telling everyone he was going to knock me out. "It just shows you that I'm better than what I look like sometimes and I hit harder than my records suggest." Cacace will turn 37 in February but, after his late rise through the division, said he has to "keep going". "Never in my wildest dreams, genuinely, did I ever think that I would be where I'm at and that's the truth," he added. "We're living in dreamland compared to two years ago. "I can't just stop now, can I? I'll have to keep going. I don't have many miles on the clock."
Belfast title fight would be 'unbelievable' - Cacace
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Anthony Cacace Eyes WBC Title Opportunity Following Victory Over Leigh Wood"
Bbc News
6.9
TruthLens AI Summary
Anthony Cacace's recent victory over Leigh Wood in Nottingham has thrust him into the spotlight of the boxing world, particularly as he expresses a desire to compete for the WBC super-featherweight title in his hometown of Belfast. The 36-year-old fighter, who recently vacated the IBF belt, showcased his skills with a ninth-round stoppage of Wood, a former two-time world champion. Cacace's victory marked a significant milestone in his career, extending his record to 24 wins and just one loss. He reflected on his journey over the past year, noting that he has defeated many top contenders in the featherweight and super-featherweight divisions, establishing himself as a formidable force. Cacace emphasized the importance of bringing a title fight back to Belfast, stating that winning the WBC title in front of his home crowd would be an incredible achievement.
Cacace's recent performances have not only garnered attention but have also demonstrated his ability to finish fights decisively. During the bout against Wood, he delivered a powerful combination that led to the referee's intervention, showcasing his awareness of Wood's reputation for resilience. Cacace acknowledged that while he may not have faced Wood at his absolute best, the victory against another two-time champion reinforces his standing in the sport. As he approaches his 37th birthday, Cacace remains motivated to continue his boxing career, reflecting on the unexpected success he has experienced over the last two years. He recognizes the importance of seizing the opportunities ahead of him, especially as he aims to solidify his legacy in the sport before considering retirement.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights Anthony Cacace's recent victory over Leigh Wood and his aspirations for a WBC super-featherweight title shot in Belfast. Cacace's success has transformed him from a relatively unknown boxer into a prominent figure in the boxing world, suggesting a significant shift in his career trajectory and public perception.
Purpose of the Article
The intention behind this coverage is to elevate Cacace's profile and generate excitement about a potential title fight in his hometown. This not only serves to promote Cacace as a local hero but also to draw attention to the boxing scene in Belfast, which could invigorate local support and attendance for future fights.
Public Sentiment
The article aims to foster a sense of pride and anticipation among local fans of boxing in Belfast. By framing the potential title fight as "unbelievable," it invokes an emotional response and encourages community support for Cacace, who is seen as a representative of local talent achieving greatness.
Omissions or Concealments
There is no clear indication of what the article may be attempting to conceal. However, it does focus heavily on Cacace's triumphs without delving into any challenges he may face moving forward, such as the competition he might encounter in the WBC rankings or potential injuries.
Manipulative Aspects
The article contains a moderate level of manipulation in its enthusiastic portrayal of Cacace's win and future ambitions. By emphasizing his journey and the excitement of a local title fight, it seeks to cultivate a hero narrative around him. The language used is designed to elicit strong feelings of hope and pride among readers.
Truthfulness of the Content
The factual basis of the article appears sound, as it reports on a specific event (Cacace's victory) and his statements regarding future ambitions. However, the presentation is highly positive and may gloss over more nuanced aspects of the sport and Cacace's journey.
Societal Impacts
This article has the potential to stimulate local economic interest in boxing events, possibly leading to increased tourism and business for local venues. A successful title fight could serve as a catalyst for further sporting events, enhancing Belfast's reputation in the boxing world.
Target Audience
The primary audience includes local boxing enthusiasts and the general public interested in sports. Cacace's story may resonate particularly with fans who appreciate underdog narratives and local talent.
Market Influence
While the article itself may not directly impact stock markets, it can enhance the visibility of local businesses and sponsors involved in boxing. Promoting boxing events can lead to increased economic activity within the community.
Global Perspective
On a broader scale, Cacace's rise in boxing could reflect the growing global interest in sports originating from smaller cities. While it may not directly influence global power dynamics, it contributes to the narrative of local pride and talent emerging on international stages.
Potential AI Influence
It is unlikely that AI played a significant role in drafting this article. However, if AI were involved, it might have been used to optimize language choices to enhance emotional engagement. The enthusiastic tone and choice of phrases suggest a deliberate effort to appeal to the audience's sentiments.
In conclusion, the article serves to promote Anthony Cacace as a rising star in the boxing community while fostering local pride and excitement for his future endeavors. The narrative focuses on triumph and potential, which aligns with the article's purpose of generating interest and support for local boxing events.