Anthony Cacace

Anthony Cacace, born on February 2, 1989, in Belfast, Northern Ireland, is a professional boxer known by his nickname “The Apache.” He hails from Andersonstown in west Belfast, a region renowned for its rich boxing culture. Cacace's early life showcased his athletic talent; he won the Italian junior 5,000m title in Naples at the age of 13 and successfully defended this title in subsequent years. This background in endurance sports helped lay a strong foundation for his boxing career. Throughout his amateur career, Cacace participated in approximately 160 bouts, demonstrating his extensive experience before turning professional.

Cacace made his professional debut on February 25, 2012, achieving a first-round technical knockout victory over Ben Wager in Belfast. He swiftly captured the BUI super-featherweight title in November 2012 and the Celtic super-featherweight title in October 2015. Despite facing a setback in 2017 when he lost a close decision to Martin J. Ward for the British and Commonwealth titles, Cacace rebounded by winning the British title against Sam Bowen in 2019.

On May 18, 2024, he defeated the previously unbeaten Joe Cordina via eighth-round TKO to claim the IBF super-featherweight title, making him the first Irish boxer to hold this title. He successfully defended his IBO title against former featherweight world champion Josh Warrington in September 2024. In January 2025, Cacace vacated the IBF title, expressing his desire to pursue the biggest fights possible, regardless of title implications.

Anthony Cacace takes pride in his Irish and Italian heritage, reflecting the cultural diversity of his upbringing.

Cacace uses his long frame effectively to control distance and pace in the ring. His jab is precise and persistent, serving as both a disruptor and a means to set up combinations, create space, and force his opponents to engage on his terms. He fights with composure, bolstered by strong emotional and physical intelligence. Even when bloodied, his management of distance and positioning seems innate—skills honed through fights where survival depended on adaptation.

His footwork is methodical—never wasted or flashy—but always purposeful as he cuts off the ring. His style is reminiscent of a Muay Thai fighter; he controls rhythm and punishes any missteps from his opponents. In clinch situations or close quarters, he employs techniques similar to Greco-Roman wrestling, switching sides fluidly and using body leverage to create space or maneuver his opponents into traps. He delivers short, powerful combinations, targeting both sides of the body and the chin, applying pressure with relentless precision.

Anthony Cacace's combinations are clean and punishing. He methodically works the body and head, focusing on the solar plexus, shoulders, chin, and nose—key areas that affect breath and balance. His punches are strategically placed to disrupt his opponent's structure and psyche, breaking them down piece by piece while remaining aware of their counterattacks and escape routes.