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The stage is set in Nottingham for what promises to be a fireworks-filled clash between Leigh Wood and Anthony Cacace. With both fighters known for drama and grit, this one has all the makings of a domestic classic.
Our prediction? Anthony Cacace to win by KO/TKO
Read on to find out why 👇
Leigh Wood: Local Hero, But Battle-Worn
Leigh Wood returns to the ring after 19 months out, headlining in front of a hometown crowd in what could be one of his final appearances before retirement. He’s hinted that he may have only a year left in the sport, and he’ll be desperate to go out on a high.
Wood’s never been in a boring fight. He’s built a reputation for comeback wins and thrilling finishes, most famously knocking out Michael Conlan in dramatic fashion in 2022. But it’s also a career marked by damage. Wood has taken big shots in nearly every major outing — from Conlan to Josh Warrington, and most notably, his knockout loss to Mauricio Lara.
He’s moving up in weight here, which could help. He’s said publicly that making this weight has been far easier, and he’s had a full camp with no draining cut. Still, questions remain about how much punishment he can continue to absorb.
Anthony Cacace: Bigger, Fresher, and On a Roll
Cacace is coming in hot. He’s fresh off dominant back-to-back wins — including a shutout of Josh Warrington and an IBF world title victory over Joe Cordina. That momentum, combined with his natural size and power at super featherweight, makes him a real threat.
He’s also a southpaw — and Wood hasn’t faced a lefty since Jazza Dickens outboxed him in 2020. That’s a long layoff against that stance, and in a high-pressure fight, it could matter.
Carl Frampton has gone on record praising Cacace’s power, and many respected voices in boxing media are backing him, citing his activity, sharpness, and physical advantages.
Leigh Wood vs Anthony Cacace - Prediction
Wood has the heart, the crowd, and the motivation — but those intangibles might not be enough against a fighter with Cacace’s freshness, momentum and natural size advantages.
We expect action, drama, and some tense early rounds, but ultimately, Cacace’s power and timing may be too much. Wood’s been through wars, and there’s only so many of those you can survive.
Prediction – Anthony Cacace to win by KO/TKO
