ANTO OUT TO BE AN ARABIAN KNIGHT
FROM the city streets of West Belfast to the searing spotlight of a Tyson Fury undercard, Anthony Cacace (above) admits he is “living the dream” in Saudi Arabia.
The 35-year-old from Andersonstown is preparing for the biggest night of his boxing career tonight when he faces Joe Cordina for the IBF World super-featherweight title.
Over 26,000 fans will pack into the Kingdom Arena, while millions of fight fans will tune in to watch the pay-per-view blockbuster.
He said: “I am here to win this world title. I do understand I am the underdog and I have a huge challenge ahead of me. But this is boxing with eight ounce gloves; anything can happen. We will see what happens.
“Joe Cordina is a two-time world champion and is very good. He is very fast and has a good boxing IQ. It is what it is. I am a bit older now and maybe not as sharp as I once was, but I know what I can do inside that ring. I aim to cause him problems and do the business.
“There will be a huge audience. It is a massive event, and all eyes will be on Saudi Arabia.
“It is my time to shine. I don’t feel any pressure.
“I am going in as underdog. All the pressure is on Joe Cordina, he is the two-time world champion. I am just a wee boy from Andytown making my dreams come true.”
Cacace has endured his fair share of frustration over the years, with issues beyond his control forcing him to reconsider his future in the sport.
He admits it is a “love-hate” relationship, but right now his passion for boxing is back.
“I have had ups and downs. Boxing is my life. Even when I said I would walk away from the sport, it is out of frustration. I know that I couldn’t really live without this game,” he added.