Coach believes Cacace will be too strong for Ward and claim life-changing win

There may have been a few diversions that ensured the journey lasted longer than expected, but Anthony Cacace will finally reach major title destination on Saturday night, says confident coach Ray Ginley.

Cacace is widely regarded as one of Ireland’s more naturally talented punchers and was earmarked for major success when he ended a two sabbatical from the game and turned pro back in 2012.

An Irish title win within five fights had most believing he would be fast-tracked toward British and European crowns. However, the talented puncher’s career stalled and stuttered since – and at one stage it looked like he wasn’t going to get the chance his talent deserved.

Indeed, even when he secured mandatory status for Martin J Ward’s British title he was forced into a prolonged wait and missed out on the chance to fight for the belt on the undercard of Ryan Burnett’s recent World title win.

The Belfast 28 year old’s time has finally come and fights for both the Commonwealth and British titles in London tonight.

In more encouraging news, the fight will play out on a high profile Chris Eubank card and will be broadcast on ITV Box Office.

Cacace’s new coach and former Emerald Promotions stablemate Ray Ginley admits he is surprised it has taken his friend this long to secure a tilt, but isn’t keen to dwell on what prompted the wait.

Ginley takes a ‘better late than never’ approach and believes Cacace will take the chance with both gloves this evening.

“Anto looks in the best shape I have ever seen him in. He has worked tremendously hard for this fight and it’s going to show” he told Irish-Boxing.com.

“Honestly I thought Anto would have got opportunities fairly quickly because of how good he is, but that’s just the way its went and on Saturday he will take his big opportunity with both hands.”

Having been waiting to make the breakthrough. the Pat Magee-managed fighter is more aware than most how important the Ward clash is. Cacace can change his life with a double title win on Saturday and has worked hard with that in mind.

“He knows that a win over Martin Ward will open so many doors for him, he will be British and Commonwealth champion and he will have done it on such a huge platform on ITV Box Office. Anto is fully aware a win on Saturday could change his life.”

In typical Cacace fashion he hasn’t been given an easy path to the title. He faces Martin J Ward a star of Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom stable and a fighter who some have predicted will reach the very top.

Ginley claims he is aware of Ward’s capabilities, but is fully confident his man will have too much for the English puncher.

Not only does the young coach believe the Belfast man will be too strong, but suggests the go with the flow personality will be too slick for the former amateur stand out.

“I think Ward’s a good fighter. He’s got good feet and decent hand speed. He was a great amateur but I just think Anto will be have that bit more in his arsenal and be too strong for Ward.”

“I believe he is a naturally gifted boxer. It just flows with him in the ring nothing is forced. Anto is going to do the business. I firmly believe that and so does our team,” Ginley added before explaining how the coaching relationship with his senior and former stablemate works.

“The relationship is great as coach and fighter although we are friends he respects me as a coach and listens to me and I listen and respect what his thoughts are so we are both singing of the same hymn sheet.”

“I’m fortunate enough that way most of my fighters are older than me but they respect and trust me as a coach.”

Photo Credit: Ricardo Guglielminotti – The Fighting Irish (@ThefIrish)