Dickens vs. Cakas: World title bout in Dublin between veterans in good standing

For the champion, the third time was a charm as previous title shots at super bantamweight in 2016 against Guillermo Rigondeaux and featherweight in 2021 against Kid Galahad came up short.

However, a move to Dubai-based coach Albert Arirapetyan resulted in a marked improvement in the team’s fortunes.

After grinding his way to an eye-catching 10-round decision over Zelva Barrett in February 2025, he showed a spiteful side when he stopped 2020 Olympic gold medalist Albert Batyrgaziev to capture the “interim” WBA title five months later, improving to 36 wins with five losses.

The Merseyside side made an impressive save in a battle between the southpaws, stooping and curling home a right-handed shot despite conceding a goal advantage to the Russian’s lofted shots wide of the target.

It’s a bit similar to Saturday as Kakas has the physical advantages, so perhaps his plan is to force a high-tempo battle inside, presenting a different challenge as the first southpaw Kakas has faced since Celtic’s title win over Ronnie Clarke in 2015.

“Yes, it’s a South Claw and it’s been over 10 years since I’ve fought a South Claw, but I don’t really think that way. I’m just thinking about what I can do,” Casasi – whose record stands at 24-1 – said of the conundrum.

“I’ve watched a little bit of Barrett fighting. You can look at all those things, but techniques make fights and I can hit hard.

“I’ll just see how Gazza can handle my strength and precision.”