Anto Cacace calls for James Tennyson fight at Ulster Hall
A massive MHD Promotions card was this afternoon confirmed for the Ulster Hall in Belfast next February 9th.
Recent IBF super featherweight world title challenger James Tennyson [22(18)-3(3)] headlines the bill in a defence of his Commonwealth title – with Paul Hyland Jr, Feargal McCrory, Tommy McCarthy, and Luke Wilton featuring on the undercard.
A headline opponent was not confirmed today, with promoter and manager Mark Dunlop revealing that he is in talks with two potential, unnamed, foes for ‘The Assassin’.
In the aftermath of the press event, however, another Irish super featherweight has come out and put his name forward as an opponent for Tennyson on the ‘A Night To Remember’ card.
Andersonstown’s Anto Cacace [16(7)-1(0)] wants to do a West Belfast battle with the Poleglass puncher and gave perhaps the firmest call-out of his career via social media.
‘The Apache’ said that “I see James Tennyson has no opponent for the defence of his Commonwealth title on February 9th.”
“What a headliner for the first show in the famous Ulster Hall in over seven years. I’ll happily step in and take that fight. It’s an easy fight to make.”
“Who wants to watch Mark Dunlop bring some guy who’s going to fall over in one round? If you want a real fight you know how to get in touch.”
The post caused quite a stir and Dunlop would respond to the call-out, pointing out Cacace’s inactivity and the pair’s contrasting results versus Martin J Ward – as well as alluding to a sparring session the two shared in the build up to Tennyson’s European title win over Ward.
The Belfast fight boss told Cacace: “champ, you’ve had a multitude of opportunities and for whatever reason your management has pulled you out of them.”
“Get your team to get you some fights with boxers with at least winning records and we will talk.”
“I like you, but really, James Tennyson beat a guy in five rounds that beat you. What on earth would he have to gain from fighting you?”
“And to say he will get a knockover in a few rounds is rich from a guy that [word(s) missing] after your spar with James.”
“So let’s leave it there and stay friends. You never know what’s in your future.”
Cacace’s manager, Pat Magee, had called for a European title fight between the pair during the summer but Tennyson had to first deal with mandatory Samir Ziani.
The 25-year-old then left this fight to take an opportunity to face IBF champ Tevin Farmer last month in Boston where he was gallantly defeated by body shots in the fifth round.
Cacace had been due to face Ghanaian Joseph Laryea in a Commonwealth title eliminator back in May but this fight did not take place – and Dunlop stated today that an eliminator for the rainbow belt was in the works for Feargal McCrory.
29-year-old Cacace has not fought since last December – a comeback win over journeyman Reynaldo Mora following his British and Commonwealth title loss to Ward. Earlier this month the British Boxing Board of Control mandated a final eliminator, and defence of Cacace’s BBBoC Celtic title, versus Scot Jordan McCorry.
