‘Why bring in someone nobody has ever heard of when I’m here?’ – Cacace talks Conlan call out

Anthony Cacace suggests he and Michael Conlan could write themselves into Belfast boxing history Freddie Gilroy versus John Caldwell and Hugh Russell versus Davy Larmour-style if they were to trade leather on August 3rd.

An all-Belfast Féile-hosted fight between the pair could be for the current generation what those two historic and legendary match-ups were for those they delighted in their era, suggests the former British title challenger.

Cacace surprised most when last night he muted a Belfast derby for the eagerly anticipated Falls Park show.

It’s a potential meeting that never appeared likely and a pairing that crossed very few, if anyone’s, mind.

However, Cacace believes it makes sense, is adamant it can be made.=, and believes it would be a bout remembered for years to come.

“They had: Caldwell v Gilroy, Russell v Larmour now let’s make Conlan v Cacace,” Cacace told Irish-Boxing.com before claiming interest has already been piqued after he called out his fellow Belfast fighter via social media last night.

“Since I put it out there it’s sparked a big interest especially from the local fight fans. If this fight was announced it would be huge. It will be the first test Conlan has had no point in bringing in someone who will fall over after a round or two.”

After hearing Conlan’s original opponent Vladimir Nikitin was pulling out of the clash scheduled to top what looks set to be a memorable bill, the replacement hunt has been ongoing.

Jamie Conlan, manager and elder brother of Mick, revealed a better opponent will be brought in and a number of well ranked featherweights have been approached.

However, ‘The Apache’, who saw his proposed British title for the same card cancelled, argues not only does he meet the tougher opponent criteria, but brings a lot more in terms of profile, spectacle and interest.

“Why bring someone in who nobody has ever heard of when I’m here ready and waiting? They wanted a tougher opponent well here I am. Why not, we both had opponents pull out we are both ready so it makes sense.”

A Cacace call out is a rarity. The former British title challenger and now Lonsdale mandatory isn’t generally one for trying to talk his way into fights, but is happy to make an exception this time around.

The news an injury to British champion Sam Bowen was going to see him miss another breakthrough chance prompted him to change tact.

“I’m not getting any younger and was gutted that Bowen pulled out. Your right I’m not really one for calling anyone out, but I need to get a move on with my career so if it helps me get back on the bill I might aswell,” he adds.

“If I had of stayed quite and didn’t put anything out on social media there was no chance. Since I put it out there has been a good response. I’ve asked for the fight if they want it I’ll happily take it.”

It is something of a bold move by the former Irish champion, but it’s not one he made just to secure a place on the card.

Cacace is adamant he has the beating of the Top Rank prospect and is confident he would register a career changing win if the fight was to be made.

“Mick is a quality operator. He’s world class though if this fight can be made I believe I’ll win and it will push me on to big fights. That’s no disrespect to Mick. Let’s make it happen and the best man win.”

Team Conlan will obviously will do their risk-reward math in terms of Cacace, but regardless of what answer they come up with weight may still prove an issue.

Cacace is a big super featherweight and Conlan a featherweight en-route to super bantam. When asked about any potential stumbling blocks the Pat Magee-managed fighter claimed he’d happily drop to an agreed catchweight to fight.

“I make super feather easy and Mick is at feather so it’s not really a big deal, but if they want to do a catchweight I’ll happily take it,” he adds before quickly dismissing British champion Bowen and addressing his injury pull out.

“It doesn’t look like he wants it.”