Gazza Deakins vs Anthony Kakas: The Belfast man seeks to become a two-time champion after past setbacks

If there is a lesson to be learned in keeping the faith when faced with setbacks, look no further than the career of Anthony Cacace.

And on Saturday at Dublin’s 3 Arena, the 37-year-old bids to become a two-time super featherweight world champion when he faces WBA titleholder James “Gazza” Dickens.

However, for most of his career, Casassi was something of a forgotten man.

His talent was never in doubt, but breaks were measured by X-rays rather than opportunities for injuries, opposition withdrawals and match cancellations, all too common.

However, he continued to grind and graft, delivering sanitary pads by day, and delivering pizza by night; He waits, hopes, and believes that his time will come.

The big opportunity arrived in May 2024 against IBF champion Joe Cordina on the undercard of the Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury bout in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Returning to his old amateur team headed by Michael Hawkins, Kakas – born to a Belfast mother and Italian father – seized the opportunity with both hands, returning home to a hero’s welcome and receiving the ultimate honor with a mural painted near his parents’ home in Andersonstown in the city’s west to mark the occasion.

He didn’t look back, defeating Josh Warrington at Wembley Stadium later that year and after vacating the IBF title, beat Lee Wood in Nottingham in May 2025, improving his record to 24 wins with one defeat.

“I’m fighting for my second world title, things couldn’t be better,” Casassi told BBC Sport NI as he prepared for another day of training at Holy Trinity Boxing Club.

“I’ve had my fair share of let-downs and last-minute withdrawals, but I can’t complain because it was all in God’s plan. I truly believe everything that happened happened for a reason that made me prepare for times like this.

“Being here with the boys [coaching team]: Al-Ruwairi [Dalton]Michael [Hawkins Jr]Barry [O’Neill]Mickey [Hawkins] Sir – It was set up for me, I really think so.

“It’s like a dream come true, and I’m really enjoying where I’m at right now.”