Joe Cordina vs. Anthony Cacace - 18 May 2024

[cormack]

cordina first half by stoppage or ko

[THEBUTCH]

No question Cordina wins for me. A big upset if Cacace comes away with the win.

Joe's world class, Cacace isn't.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Anthony Cacace says he is ready for Joe Cordina as rival promoter claims he may freeze in the spotlight

After 12 years in the pros Anthony ‘The Apache’ Cacace 21-1 (7) will finally get his first world title shot when he challenges IBF super featherweight champion Joe Cordina 17-0 (9) at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Saturday night.

“To me, Joe’s the best 130-pound fighter in the world,” the 35-year-old Irish southpaw told Queensberry Promotions. “For me to get this opportunity against the best, it’s dreamy. It’s gonna propel me right to the very top and if I can win here it changes my life and my children’s lives.

“There’s not one bit of pressure on me. I’m not the two-time world champion. I’ve got nothing to lose here and everything to gain. Joe’s the main man.

“Let’s not beat around the bush here. He’s the IBF world champion and I’m coming in and everyone thinks he’s gonna blow me away. We’ll have to see. There’s no pressure on me. Not one bit.

“I’m fighting a two-time world champion. Joe Cordina is a very good, special fighter but I’m here to do the job. I’m not here to mess about.

“It’s a world title shot. This is what I’ve worked my whole life for. I’ve sacrificed so much to get here so I’m just ready to take over and do the job.

“[I’m bringing] Power and determination. Joe’s a very good fighter so I’m not gonna give away any game plans but I’m here for a fight and that’s it.

“I’m gonna win. I’m gonna try my very best to win anyway. By any means necessary. It does not matter. I can make it ugly, pretty, whichever way you want it to be. As long as my hand is getting raised, that’s all that matters.”

The fight will serve as something of a precursor to next month’s ‘5v5’ card in Saudi Arabia that pits boxing from the Queensberry stable against pugs represented by rival outfit Matchroom Boxing.

“It’s a beautiful warm-up for the Matchroom versus Queensberry in the five v five,” said Matchroom Boxing boss Eddie Hearn to Irish Boxing.

“Psychologically, we want to deliver this blow, right to the heart, and see Joe Cordina come through.

“The struggle for Joe at the minute is doing the weight, so that extra time in camp has been brilliant for him. He looks in great shape.

“He’s been out here for two weeks, running in that heat with Tony Sims and I think you are going to get a brilliant performance from Joe Cordina.

“It’s a tough fight but I think we’ll see a real statement performance from Joe on Saturday night.

“Joe Cordina made a good point recently, he’s no stranger to the big stage. He will not freeze on Saturday night, Cacace is more likely to freeze out there. You will get the best Joe Cordina.”

[samwbr]

Was surprised checking Cacaces record he's not had a KO win since Ronnie Clark in 2015 yet he gets talked about as a big puncher.

[Kilburn]

I doubt the two people in the poll picking Cacace by stoppage are actually being serious.

Technically he’s pretty good though. Cordina may well end up doing a number on the guy but it’s no Hide v Reed.

[handsofstone]

Cordina loves a tear up these days, always in entertaining fights, he was a bit more of a boxer domestically but seems when he gets troubled he loves a scrap, Cacace a tidy boxer, blighted by inactivity his whole career though, Cordina wins a close one I reck

[Noxy]

I think the Apache could spring an upset here. He hasn’t always had the breaks in his career and he’s had injury problems. He actually has more going for him than the stats would suggest.
If Cordina is struggling at the weight, he could pay the price tomorrow.

[SeanBrennan]

I am like a broken record always asking this, but does anyone know what they'll be paid for this? It always intrigues me.

[Coco]

I am like a broken record always asking this, but does anyone know what they'll be paid for this? It always intrigues me.

Guessing Cordina will get 500k sterling in his pocket
The Irish an 100k

[SeanBrennan]

I am like a broken record always asking this, but does anyone know what they'll be paid for this? It always intrigues me.

Guessing Cordina will get 500k sterling in his pocket
The Irish an 100k

thanks Coco

[cocka09]

Cacace definitely a better boxer than his record would suggest. A very stop start career.

This is a massive jump in quality for him. Cordina the big favourite but if the rumours about him struggling with weight are true then it could be a long night for him.

[wrighty]

I think the Apache could spring an upset here. He hasn’t always had the breaks in his career and he’s had injury problems. He actually has more going for him than the stats would suggest.
If Cordina is struggling at the weight, he could pay the price tomorrow.

I watched him either win or defend the British title and thought he was good. Very slick and rangy..I would like to see him make good but I like both blokes so may the best man win.

[Stevieaber]

Cacace definitely a better boxer than his record would suggest. A very stop start career.

This is a massive jump in quality for him. Cordina the big favourite but if the rumours about him struggling with weight are true then it could be a long night for him.

Joe looked good at the weigh in, so I see a long night for Anto. It’s a shame for him that his career didn’t get much continuity as I think it’s really hindered him. Always felt he wasn’t very well promoted. Can’t see him just bursting out at 35.

[Delta Jay]

Voted correctly. Wish I put more
Money on it

[JxhDel.]

Cacace came in with malice and a whip, shocked at the result

[wrighty]

Cacace came in with malice and a whip, shocked at the result

He was mustard. Did he have a dig at match room after too?

[goose 5]

Superb performance ! I never saw that coming.

[joshj909]

Cacace came in with malice and a whip, shocked at the result

He was mustard. Did he have a dig at match room after too?

He said he will never face a Matchroom guy because none of them ever gave him a chance, yet he just faced Cordina? Also said he's never fighting in the UK again, he's only ever fighting in Saudi. Never heard him interviewed before but in my opinion he came off badly in his post-fight interview.

[margaret thatcher]

shame sam bowen retired after fighting cacace, very fun fighter, once gave maxi hughes a beating and coulda had some good ones.

liam richards, stopped only once in 100+ fights, said bowen hit him harder than anyone

just couldnt get fights or something?

[Stevieaber]

Superb performance ! I never saw that coming.

You and me both!

[Delta Jay]

I doubt the two people in the poll picking Cacace by stoppage are actually being serious.

Technically he’s pretty good though. Cordina may well end up doing a number on the guy but it’s no Hide v Reed.

I was number 2 and I was very serious.

[Ruthless-RKO]

compubox stats

[Stobbo]

Yep, got that badly wrong. Didn't know Cordina was tight at the weight. Watched it on a stag do in Glasgow and was telling everyone I was with Cordina wins points.

[Colmohara]

YESSSSSSSSSS!!!!!! Anto, champion of the world! History maker! Irelands 1st ever SFW world champion.

[handsofstone]

Always rated Cacace, thought he could run Cordina close on the cards at best but he really put a smackdown on him, his punches sounded hurtful, Cordina has stones for real