Anthony Cacace planning to deliver ‘Big Tommy’ style
Anthony Cacace [17(7)-1] wants to emulate Tommy McCarthy’s ‘finally’ moment, by producing in the ring on November 30.
Cacace has been vaunted as one of Belfast’s most naturally gifted operators over the years, but has yet to have a massive moment in the ring.
Much like cruiserweight McCarthy periods of bad luck and inactivity among other things have hampered the super featherweight’s progress.
However, he does have the chance to deliver on his potential when he challenges Sam Bowen [15(11)-0] for the British super featherweight title in Birmingham – and having seen ‘Mack Attack’ eventually bounce back from his two breakthrough fails with a massive win over Fabio Turchi in Italy earlier this month he is inspired to produce a career changing performance of his own.
“I’ve never been so happy for a fighter in my life,” said Cacace when speaking to the Irish News.
“Looking at that performance, it makes me think I can do it. It’s been a long time coming and I’m going to put it all in the ring.”
Whilst there has been an element of misfortune to the career of the former Irish champion and British title challenger, there were always suggestions the natural talent didn’t live the life between camps, particularly earlier in his career.
Without going into detail the 30-year-old hints that may have been the case in the past, but claims he has amended that heading into what is possibly last chance saloon.
“Everything I did wrong in the past, I’m not doing it.”
“Training has gone brilliant, I’m doing everything that’s needed,” said the former BBBofC Celtic champion.
“Lessons learned and my diet is good, everything’s good.”
Cacace has only fought once since December of 2017, while in that time his opponent for the BT Sports broadcast clash has won the British title and defended it either side of a ranking title win.
That contrast in activity plays into Bowen’s hands according to ‘The Apache’, but he has been doing all he can under the guidance of former Bernard Dunne trainer Harry Hawkins to ensure he enters the clash rust free.
“He’s confident he’s going to do a job but I’m just as confident that I’m going to do a job. The only thing that’s a wee bit iffy in my mind is my inactivity but I’m hoping to get as many rounds sparring as I can,” he continues before discussing the Hawkins link up.
“I’ve got five weeks to go so it’s going to be torture but good torture with Harry.
“I’ve known Harry since I was an amateur, he did my corner in the Irish senior final. He knows what he’s talking about, he’s very experienced and he’s in the gym every day. What more could you ask for? I’m enjoying it and it’s up to me to put the hard work in – Harry’s got the brains and the tactics and I’ll do the training.”
