Cacace Set to Defend WBA Super-Featherweight Crown Against Nick Ball in Belfast

Anthony Cacace is scheduled to make the inaugural defense of his WBA super-featherweight world title against Nick Ball. The championship bout will take place at The 02 in Belfast on December 19th.

The 37-year-old Belfast native captured the title in March by defeating James 'Jazza' Dickens via decision in Dublin. His upcoming opponent, Nick Ball, is also from Liverpool and is a former featherweight champion.

Cacace's most recent fight in his hometown was in May 2023, where he defended his IBO belt against Damian Wrzesinski. This fight occurred on the undercard of Luis Alberto Lopez's featherweight title victory over Michael Conlan.

Since then, Cacace won and subsequently relinquished the IBF title. He then became a two-time world champion at the weight with his win over Dickens, improving his professional record to 25 wins and one loss.

"Nick is a formidable fighter, a former world champion, so I'm anticipating a tough contest. He's a tough individual, so let's do this," Cacace stated to DAZN.

"I'm prepared to engage him, to box him – whichever way he prefers. We'll see how it unfolds on the night. I'm very much looking forward to it.

"Belfast during the Christmas season will be buzzing, so I'm excited for it."

Ball is entering this fight following his first professional defeat. He was stopped in the final round by Brandon Figueroa during a defense of the WBA featherweight title in February.

The Liverpudlian boxer had secured the featherweight title in 2024 with a points victory over Raymond Ford. This followed his first world title attempt three months prior, which ended in a draw against then-WBC champion Rey Vargas.

Ball also competed on the same Belfast card as Cacace in 2023, securing a stoppage win against Ludumo Lamati, who has since recovered from a stroke he suffered in the ring. Ball is eager for the opportunity to become a champion in two weight classes.

"This is a significant opportunity at a new weight division," commented Ball, whose record stands at 23 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw.

"He's a strong champion, so it promises to be a good fight. I'll be advancing, he'll be advancing, so it should be an exciting match."