Anthony Cacace dominates Leigh Wood in Nottingham – Spectacular KO victory secures IBO title defense.
Ireland’s Anthony Cacace (24-1, 9 knockouts) impressively defeated former WBA world champion Leigh Wood (28-4, 17 knockouts) in his home city of Nottingham to successfully defend his IBO super featherweight world title. Cacace won by knockout in the ninth round – an impressive performance presented by Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions.
Leigh Wood was celebrating his debut at super featherweight, having previously won the WBA featherweight title twice. However, the Englishman was unable to find a solution against a focused and tactically superior Cacace and was eventually forced to retire when his corner threw in the towel in the ninth round. It was Cacace’s fourth successful title defense in a row.
Wood had his strongest round in the eighth round, but it was to be his last rebellion. Cacace dominated the first rounds with precise strikes and varied combinations. Wood fought doggedly, but showed clear signs of wear and tear: Both eyes were badly swollen, his nose was bleeding and the Englishman looked increasingly exhausted.
At the start of the ninth round, Wood continued to press forward but ran into a devastating left hook from Cacace that staggered him. Wood clung desperately to stabilize himself. But Cacace followed up and landed another accurate left jab that sent Wood sprawling across the ring. The ring ropes kept him from going down, which was ruled a knockdown by referee John Latham. While Latham counted the count, Wood’s corner finally threw in the towel and stopped the unequal duel.
With this victory Anthony Cacace secures his ninth success in a row and remains IBO super featherweight champion.