If there is a lesson to be found in keeping faith in the face of setbacks, look no further than the career of Anthony Kakas.
The 37-year-old will try to become a two-time super featherweight world champion when he takes on WBA holder James “Sir” Dickens at Dublin’s 3 Arena on Saturday.
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However, for much of his career, Kakas was a forgotten man.
His talent was never in doubt, but rest was measured by X-rays rather than chances, and injuries, opponent withdrawals and cancellations were commonplace.
Still, he kept grinding and grafting—laying pads by day and delivering pizzas by night—waiting, hoping and believing that his time would come.
A great opportunity came in May 2024 against IBF champion Joe Cordina on the undercard of Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Cacasse, whose mother is from Belfast and his father is from Italy, returned to the old amateur side led by Michael Hawkins and he seized the opportunity with both hands, receiving a hero’s welcome back home and the ultimate honor of having a mural painted near his parents’ home in Andersonstown, west of the city, to mark the occasion.
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He never looked back, defeating Josh Warrington at Wembley later that year and, after relinquishing the IBF title, beating Leigh Wood in Nottingham in May 2025 to improve his record to 24-1.
“Fighting for my second world title, things can’t get any better than this,” Kakas told BBC Sport NI as he prepared for another day of training at Holy Trinity Boxing Club.
“I’ve had my share of disappointments and withdrawals at the last minute, but I can’t complain because it’s all in God’s plan. I really believe everything that happens happens for a reason, so that prepares me for moments like this.
“Being with the kids [coaching team]: Ruairi [Dalton]Michael [Hawkins Jr]barry [O’Neill]Mickey [Hawkins] Sir—It was for me, I sincerely believe.
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“It’s like a dream come true and I’m really enjoying where I’m at right now.”
Kakas got a taste of victory when he stopped Leigh Wood in Nottingham last year [Getty Images]
While Cacasse took the scenic route on the big night, he is familiar with the mentality the champion will bring to the table this weekend.
Liverpool’s Dickens failed in world title fights at both super lightweight and featherweight, but he secured an “interim” WBA title after defeating 2020 Olympic gold medalist Albert Batyrgaziev in July last year and was promoted to the official title in December.
“The Jazz have been waiting 15 years, maybe more, to be world champions, so I know it’s not going to be easy,” Kakas predicted.
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“It’s a tough sport and we all put in a lot of hard work and sacrifice and I think it’s going to be a really tough battle.
“Jazza had just won a world title and he was trying to settle his family. I know what I would be willing to do in his situation, so all I can say is that he would be willing to do the same.”
“I want to seize the opportunity and make everyone proud”
When it comes to faith, Kakase’s faith goes much deeper than boxing.
Before every game he goes to St Jude’s Shrine in Carlingford, County Louth, to pray and give thanks for the transformation in his life.
“I go down, I pray and leave a little message. Just like other boxers will have different types of rituals, this is mine.”
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If those prayers are answered this weekend, Kakase will go home with a second world title belt.
Just a few years ago, this situation seemed far out of reach at best, but staying the course at a time when it might have been easier to leave the sport finally paid off.
Providing for his family has always been his main motivation, but is there a chance to add to his legacy? He won’t say no.
“This is going to be one of the greatest Irish boxers of all time, so there’s no pressure,” he laughed.
“It’s crazy because two years ago, no one knew me. All of a sudden, I have the opportunity to fight for two world titles in two years.
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“I never thought I’d be in this position. Everything I wanted from this sport, I have now. It’s just an added bonus, and it’s a huge bonus. Hopefully I can take advantage of this opportunity and make everyone proud.”
