Hawkins confident Cacace will seize moment

COACH Harry Hawkins says he expects Anthony Cacace to produce the performance of his career and land the British super-featherweight title in Birmingham tonight.

Cacace challenges for the British title for the second time when he clashes with Sam Bowen, having previously lost to former champion Martin Ward on points. That loss, the only one on the Belfast man’s record, has long caused him pain.

This evening Cacace has the opportunity to turn his career around after years of frustration and Hawkins insists he could not be in better shape to take on hard-hitting Bowen, who is the clear favourite in the eyes of the odds makers.

“When Anthony came to me to train him he knew what I would expect from him and I have to say that he has done all that I have asked of him. He has ticked all the boxes,” said Hawkins (right).

“He knows how big this opportunity is and he has learned from his mistakes in that fight with Ward. Chances like this don’t come around too often and Anthony knows he has to grab it. He is really focused and we have a game-plan so I’m really looking forward to it.”

Cacace weighed in yesterday at 129lbs, 3oz — just a couple of ounces lighter than the champion who is currently ranked in the top 10 of the WBO.

The 30-year-old Belfast man is relishing the chance of winning the British title and looking ahead to an exciting 2020.

“Now I’ve done the weight, the hard bit is done. I’m pumped up and ready to go and win this belt. I know how hard I’ve worked and how hungry I am to win this,” said Cacace.

“I don’t think he has faced anyone like me before. He’s a very strong fighter who brings a lot of pressure and I have to be ready for that intensity, but when it comes to skill I believe I’m the better boxer.

“It’s down to me to go and prove it and that’s what I intend to do. In the past I have been guilty of being lazy in fights but there’s no way I can allow that to happen in this fight — and Harry won’t let me be like that.

“He’s the champion so I have to go and grab the title from him. I’ll give it everything. I don’t care if I’m going to have a heart attack in there, I have to go for it.”

The Birmingham bill, being shown on BT Sport, will also see Welshman Chris Jenkins defending his British welterweight title against Liam Taylor.

Jenkins controversially defeated Belfast’s Paddy Gallagher at Falls Park in August.

Challenge accepted: Anthony Cacace and Sam Bowen at yesterday’s weigh-in