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Manager Magee challenges Cacace to take ITV chance


It’s ‘make or break’ for Anthony Cacace [16(7)-1(0)] as he fights on the undercard of James DeGale and Chris Eubank’s high profile grudge match this weekend warns Pat Magee.

Yet, rather than be apprehensive about the occasion and the high stakes clash the mercurial talent should rejoice in the fact he has an opportunity to show everyone his vaunted talents and the chance to make strides toward a 2019 world title challenge qualifies his manager.

After a career of frustration for a fighter some suggest his the most naturally gifted of his generation,  ‘The Apache’ gets a break through chance on the Richard Poxon and Al Haymon fight night live on ITV Box Office this Saturday.

A super featherweight ranking title is set to be confirmed for the clash between the South American featherweight champion Alan Castillo [26(10)-7(2)] and the Belfast fighter – and Magee claims the chance to impress American money man Haymon, a massive TV, and secure a world ranking is one the southpaw can not waste.

Magee told Irish-Boxing.com that “it’s time for Anthony to show everyone the talent that he has.”

“We have not seen it up to now and it’s now up to him to take his opportunity.”

“Anthony has a great chance to show Al Haymon and everyone else that he can make an impact on the super featherweight division and, if he wins, I intend to move him quickly.”

It is last chance saloon for the Andersonstown but it’s not the former Irish champion’s first big opportunity.

Cacace lost a close fight to then British champion Martin J Ward, who James Tennyson defeated spectacularly to claim European honours and earn an IBF world title shot, in the summer of 2017 and he has just fought once since.

Magee warns against a Ward repeat and claims now is the time for the recently-turned 30-year-old, who knows all to well that big chances can be hard to come by in boxing, to shine.

“He had the chance against Ward but a few things went wrong and they won’t happen again.”

“Anthony is in good shape, he has known about this opportunity since before Christmas and he has been training hard.”

“Castillo is a solid, durable fighter, especially after 14 months. He went the distance with Joseph Diaz who’s knocking on the door of a world title – so that tells you all you need to know.”

It’s more than Magee who believes ‘The Apache’ deserves big opportunities – and with Al Haymon looking to build a stable this side of the Atlantic, the manager behind the success of Brian Magee now believes Cacace has to chance to grab them.

Indeed, a run of wins and Magee is sure that his charge could be in the world title picture extremely soon.

The veteran fight boss explained how “this ITV deal is great for boxers like Anthony.”

“Haymon is looking to do six shows a year, some pay-per-view events and some free-to-air. Terrestrial television is important and I believe Al Haymon and Richard Poxon can deliver the fights we want for Anthony.”

“I am hoping for Anthony, if he keeps winning, to fight four times this year. This is a new venture and they are looking for headline stars and I believe Anthony could be one.”

“He could be out again in April and I honestly believe that he can be knocking on the door of world titles by the end of the year.”

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Jonny Stapleton

Irish-boxing.com contributor for 15 years and editor for the past decade. Have been covering boxing for over 16 years and writing about sports for a living for over 20 years. Former Assistant Sports editor for the Gazette News Paper Group and former Tallaght Voice Sports Editor. Have had work published in publications around the world when working as a freelance journalist. Also co-founder of Junior Sports Media and Leinster Rugby PRO of the Year winner. email: editoririshboxing@gmail.com

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