Anthony Cacace Sets Sights on Navarrete After WBA Super-Featherweight Title Win

Belfast’s Anthony Cacace is the new WBA super-featherweight champion, securing a unanimous decision victory over James ‘Jazza’ Dickens at the 3Arena in Dublin on Saturday, March 14, 2026. The win marks Cacace’s second world title, having previously held the IBF belt in 2024 before relinquishing it.

A Family Legacy Forged in Boxing

For Cacace, the victory is about more than just adding another title to his resume. It’s about honoring his family’s heritage. “No-one really heard of Cacace but now the name’s known,” the 37-year-old stated after the fight, emphasizing the importance of establishing the family name in the world of boxing. His father hails from near Sorrento, Italy, and Cacace is proud to carry that lineage forward.

A Hard-Fought Victory Over Dickens

The fight against Dickens was a gruelling affair, with the judges scoring the bout 116-113, 116-112, and 115-113 in Cacace’s favor BBC Sport. While Cacace admitted it wasn’t his best performance, he demonstrated enough skill and determination to dethrone the defending champion from Liverpool. Dickens, despite a more forward-attacking approach in the later rounds, couldn’t overcome Cacace’s control of the fight.

Looking Ahead: Unification with Navarrete

Cacace’s immediate focus is on unifying the super-featherweight division. He has his sights set on a showdown with Emanuel Navarrete, who currently holds the IBF and WBO titles ESPN. “Give me Navarrete – it’s not that hard to make, so let’s make it,” Cacace urged after his victory. He likewise expressed confidence in his ability to defeat Navarrete and other top contenders in the division.

Promoter Backs Unification Plans

Cacace’s promoter, Frank Warren, echoed the champion’s desire for a unification bout. “Of course I’d like to see it and that’s what we want to do,” Warren said, confirming their commitment to pursuing a fight with Navarrete ESPN.

Recent Successes and Career Trajectory

Cacace’s victory over Dickens extends his winning streak to ten fights, following a loss to Martin J. Ward in 2017. Prior to winning the WBA title, he secured a notable win over Joe Cordina in May 2024 to claim the IBF title, and also boasts victories over former world champions Josh Warrington and Leigh Wood ESPN. Dickens, meanwhile, had his four-fight win streak snapped with the loss.

Potential Future Opponents

While Navarrete is the primary target, O’Shaquie Foster, the reigning WBC champion, also remains a potential opponent as Cacace aims to become the undisputed super-featherweight champion ESPN. Ryan Garner, who secured a win on the undercard, is also being considered as a potential future opponent Yahoo Sports.