Anthony Cacace, the current IBF super featherweight champion, has responded to Leigh Wood’s recent call-out. The 35-year-old fighter stated that he would gladly face Wood, but only if the pay is right. Cacace, who currently holds the world title, expressed that the risk of vacating his belt must come with fair compensation.
Cacace is set to face a mandatory challenger in the near future. He is scheduled to fight Eduardo Núñez before March 2025. Although he has time, facing Wood would require vacating his world title. However, this is a step Cacace is not willing to take without significant reward.
“If I’m going to have to vacate a belt, I want paid to vacate the belt and my purse on top,” Cacace said. “It’s not just vacating, it’s giving away your crown, and that’s your bargaining chip. Once that’s gone, it’s gone,” said Cacace.
Despite the complexities of facing Leigh Wood, Anthony Cacace has shown interest in the fight.
However, he also emphasized the importance of being ready for his IBF title defense. He expressed that he is more than willing to fight Leigh Wood, but he also needs to prepare for the IBF and the fight with Núñez.
The IBF champion also acknowledged that Eduardo Núñez has patiently waited for his world title shot. “He stepped aside for the last fight against Josh Warrington,” Cacace explained. “He’s been waiting on the sidelines for some time and deserves his chance.”
Similarly, the Irish boxer showed empathy towards Núñez. Emphasizing that he understands what it’s like to wait for a title shot.
“It’s nice being the champion and not being in that position, but I know the position he’s in, and it’s not nice to be there. It’s Núñez as of now, but we need to iron things out,” Cacace concluded.
Whether Anthony Cacace will fight Leigh Wood or defend his title against Núñez remains to be seen. However, the champion made it clear that any decision will depend on receiving a financial offer that motivates him to vacate his belt.
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