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Gareth Fullerton

Anthony Cacace: 'I am not here to be a personality, I am here to fight and win titles'

Anthony Cacace says he doesn't feel like a 'forgotten man' of Irish boxing, and is happy for other fighters to shout their mouths off and chase celebrity status.

There was little hype or fanfare when the 34-year-old won the IBO World super-featherweight title last year.

Cacace travelled to Manchester to claim the belt off Michael Magnesi in what was a brilliant win for the Belfast fighter.

Read more: Co Tyrone boxer McCrory set to headline Philadelphia card

It was another fight on the road for Cacace, who has fought just four times in his home city since turning professional back in 2012.

His last bout in Belfast was eight years ago when he beat Santiago Bustos at the SSE Arena.

Cacace will return to that same venue on May 27 for a special homecoming, appearing on the undercard of Michael Conlan's world title showdown with Luis Alberto Lopez.

"It is an amazing card with a world title fight. I am just delighted to be involved," Cacace said.

"I have been training since the start of January, I was due to fight on St Patrick's Day and then again at the end of March.

"I was having a little break and then this came up. It is worth waiting for.

"I haven't fought in Belfast since 2015. And I am now on the undercard of a Michael Conlan world title fight so it's all good."

Cacace has fought just twice since 2019, with a combination of coronavirus >Covid and bad luck stalling his career. He was due to return to action last month, but two separate dates ended up being shelved.

It saw the Belfast boxer take to social media to voice his frustration.

"It is all part of the game. Some people get lucky and some don't," he added.

"I have had my fair share of luck but I am at the stage of my career where I am due some good fortune and things I maybe deserved.

"I don't feel like a forgotten man of Irish boxing. There are a lot of fighters who have a lot to say for themselves, whereas I don't

Anthony Cacace celebrates with his team and winning the IBO World Super-Featherweight title last September (Getty Images)

"I just go in and fight. This is a job for me and it puts food on the table.

"I am not here to be a personality or impress anyone. I am here to fight and entertain people."

At 34 years of age, Cacace admits he is approaching the twilight of his career.

He has long been hailed by many fellow professionals, including Carl Frampton who previously described the West Belfast boxer as the "hardest puncher" he ever shared the ring with.

But with the sands of time slipping on his career, Cacace insists it is belts not plaudits that dominate his thoughts.

"Winning the IBO title meant everything for me. When I won the British title I got offered the IBO chance and I took it," he said.

"I know it is not a legitimate title, but it means a lot to me. And if my career had to end now, I would be happy.

"I wouldn't be retiring any way shape of form better off, but I would be happy with my career.

"I want to win belts. It is nice when these champions speak highly of me. I do feel good when I hear it, but I would feel better if I was getting these opportunities.

"Maybe I will get it soon. This could be the next step for me.

"Hopefully I can impress on May 27 and end up in a big fight myself in the future. I always enjoy these nights.

"Obviously there is pressure but I enjoy it. I don't have to travel for this one, so I can roll off the settee and go to the weigh-in.

"And it's great that my kids can come and attend and enjoy it. So that's a bonus.

"I do it for my family and that's it. I used to do it for the love of the sport, and I do love it.

"But I am at that stage now where I want the big fights and then I can sit on my a*** on the other side of the ropes and watch."

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