Anthony Cacace ready to defend title against Lyon Woodstock after reversing retirement call

It seemed the pair would finally get it on back in February, but Woodstock tested positive for Covid-19 just days before the fight and once again it was off.

This run of misfortune was tough to take for Cacace, who just didn’t seem to be able to get a break, but adding coach Ian Mahood to his team has relit the spark for one more charge.

“(The pandemic) broke my momentum as I had great momentum after winning the title,” he reflected.

“I was retired there a couple of months ago when I said I wouldn’t box again, but I’m back again and I’m down here training (in Carrickfergus) where I have been welcomed with open arms, and it’s really rejuvenated me.

“It’s just given me a real lease of life and I feel like I’m giving this another go the right way.”
Cacace has received a boost lately in the latest WBA rankings where he sits in sixth place, so a victory in just under two weeks’ time could well see him in a very advantageous position for either a world title eliminator or even a shot at the title.

With that being the prize for a successful title defence against Woodstock, there can be no room for error, and his preparations have reflected as much, with taming ‘The Lion’ the only thing on his mind.

“This is the difference between good money and life-changing money, but I’m not putting pressure on myself by thinking that way,” he insists.

“The only thing I’m concentrating on is Lyon Woodstock and smashing him to bits.

“This is the one I need to win. I’m fully prepared and I know what Lyon Woodstock brings to the table. I’ve heard what he’s said and has contradicted himself a few times. He’s been talking a wee bit of **** to be honest.

“One thing I know is that he’s going to come in hungry and ready, but I’m hungry and ready. I think I’ve all the boxing ability to beat him, so he can bring whatever he wants to bring.”

It’s said a happy fighter is a dangerous fighter, and that is the headspace Cacace finds himself in as he gears up for Saturday week’s assignment in Birmingham.

He still works with trainer Harry Hawkins, but a switch to a new coach in Carrickfergus-based Mahood has reinvigorated him and he hopes this time he can finally get in the ring and do what he does best having experienced the disappointment of February’s planned bout unravelling at the 11th hour.

“You couldn’t do anything about it, so you just pray to God that everything goes smooth this time as (another cancellation) is the last thing I need,” he accepts.

“Camp has been going great. I’m training down in Carrickfergus with a new coach, Ian Mahood. I go up there Monday, Wednesday and Friday after sparring and I’ve never been happier, so it’s been a good move to make and good time to make it.

“Harry is still in the corner, but I just needed a change. I felt I was getting a bit stale so I thought I needed a move and it’s done me the world of good.”