Anthony Cacace vs Leigh Wood - LIVE!
Anthony Cacace continued his superb run of form with a ninth-round stoppage of Leigh Wood in Nottingham. The Northern Irishman, 36, is enjoying the best spell of his career, having beaten Joe Cordina and Josh Warrington in 2024, and he picked up another victory over a domestic rival here with a dominant display.
It was billed as a potential fight-of-the-year contender and while it was not necessarily an all-action affair from the first bell, Cacace boxed superbly and was ahead on the cards throughout. He went through the gears in the sixth round, snapping Wood’s head back with the jab and whipping in a flurry of left hooks, but there was some encouragement in the eighth for Wood in front of his home fans when a cut opened up on Cacace’s cheek and blood starting to come from his nose.
But, a round later, it was all over. Wood was given a standing count after he was sent staggering back into the ropes by a flush left hook, and Cacace did not let up. Two huge right uppercuts were followed by a left to the body, leaving Wood almost defenceless. He turned his back on Cacace and jogged away, as Wood’s corner threw in the towel to save their man from further punishment.
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Cacace vs Wood
Round 2
Wood has looked pretty sharp, considering how long he’s been out of the ring. Establishing the jab nicely.
Couple of right hands from Cacace get through, though. And another one, this time straight onto the chin. Wood took them well.
Cacace goes for an overhand right on the bell, Wood catches him on the way in.
Think both corners will be pretty happy with the opening couple of rounds. Very tight.
Cacace vs Wood
Round 1
Wood in the centre of the ring, Cacace happy to stay on the back foot for now.
Change of roles in the final minute of the round, Cacace lines up a clubbing right hand but Wood ducks under it.
And again, this time with the attempted left hook.
Fight just started to get going in those final 30 seconds after a cagey start.
Ding ding!
Right then, it’s time.
We’re up and running in the main event!
Both fighters now 36 - could this be the end of the road for one of them?
Every chance. Neither at the stage of their careers where they’ll want to be making slow rebuilds.
Wood back in the ring for the first time since 19 months. Cacace returns having vacated his world title in order to pursue the biggest fights.
He’s got his wish here...
Fair to say it’s not quite as warm a welcome for Anthony Cacace.
He’s won them over by walking out to Zombie though. Tune.
And in the interest of fairness, I will confirm Cacace got just as excited a fist pump from Warren.
Here. We. Go.
Leigh Wood first to make his way to the ring.
Motorpoint Arena is absolutely bouncing as their man walks out.
Chewing gum and marches his way to the ring, no messing around.
Frank Warren looks as excited as anyone as he gives Wood a big fist pump.
It's time!
Sweet Caroline blasting around the Motorpoint Arena.
You know what that means?
Main event is next up - Anthony Cacace vs Leigh Wood.
Strap. In.
Taylor wins by unanimous decision!
97-94. 100-90. 99-91.
Every round for Taylor on one of the cards! Very, very harsh on Jones.
But Taylor a worthy winner, as Jones tastes defeat for the first time.
Taylor vs Jones
Round 10
That overhand right from Taylor has been the big threat all night, but still Jones takes it well.
Left lands clean too, Jones’ chin is holding up really impressively.
Taylor looks really fresh as he skips around the ring, picking his shots from distance. Nicely in control.
And he produces one final burst, Jones exhausted as he eats the big shots.
Taylor 97-93 on our card... can’t see any other result than a fairly comfortable win.
Taylor vs Jones
Round 9
Taylor lines up another clubbing right hand, this one falls short.
Great atmosphere now inside the arena, Nottingham fans in full voice. Going to be seriously loud for the main event.
Jones with his eye marked up now too, and he’s caught flush with a right as he steps in.
Taylor was about to jump on him... bell goes.
I’ve got it 6-3 Taylor with a round to go.