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.
Cacace vs Wood latest news
- Cacace stops Wood in ninth round
- Taylor wins unanimous decision over Jones
- Davies too good for Walker over 12 rounds
- Cooper edges tight bout with Kongo on points
Leigh Wood on his future...
23:18 , Matt Verri"I don't want to make any excuses, I promised I wouldn't.
“It was hard tonight, maybe harder than usual, maybe it was the lay-off, I don't know. He's a really good fighter and hopefully he goes on a good run.
“I don't know, I'm not going to make a decision [about his future] on the spot. We'll see. We'll have a talk.
“I want to thank everyone for coming out tonight, thanks for bringing the noise and sorry to disappoint."
Reaction from Anthony Cacace
23:10 , Matt Verri"I put a lot of pressure on myself. I had nothing but negative feelings coming in here but I've fought three two-time world champions.
"Leigh's had a long time off. I didn't beat the best Leigh Wood but I beat Leigh Wood and I appreciate Nottingham, thank you for inviting me here, you're a great crowd."
Davison steps in...
23:03 , Matt VerriRight decision from Leigh Wood’s corner.
Their man had near enough turned his back after those uppercuts, he was done.
So, so impressive form Anthony Cacace tonight.
IT'S ALL OVER!!! 🤯
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) May 10, 2025
Anthony Cacace STOPS Leigh Wood‼️#CacaceWood | Live NOW on DAZN pic.twitter.com/HHBd3HQId0
Cacace stops Wood!
22:58 , Matt VerriRound 9
HUGE SHOT!
Wood came charging in, but he’s caught and now in real trouble.
Combination from Cacace, Wood goes flying back into the ropes and they keep him up. Referee steps in with a standing count.
He survives that, but Wood is really hurt. Left hook, right uppercut, left hook again... Wood just trying to cover up.
Cacace is not far away from finishing this, but Wood is as brave as ever. No quit in him.
Two more massive right uppercuts, Wood is all over the place. Referee needs to step in, he’s completely gone as he turns his back and staggers away.
WOOD’S CORNER DO!
Towel thrown in, Cacace has a stoppage win in the ninth!
Cacace vs Wood
22:54 , Matt VerriRound 8
More like it from Wood, lands an overhand right. And there’s a cut on the left cheek of Cacade... and blood from his noise. Bit of encouragement for Wood.
Referee pauses the fight to warn Cacace about hitting to the back of the head. Nottingham fans turn up the noise.
Right hands exchanged, but it’s Wood who is finding it much more difficult to get within range.
Left hook on the inside from Cacace, who almost laughs as Wood bursts into a flurry of right hands on the ball.
Getting to the stage where Wood needs near enough every round from here...
Cacace vs Wood
22:50 , Matt VerriRound 7
Cacace is boxing so, so well. Sharper work, he’s moving superbly.
But we’ve seen Wood come back from worse positions than this, he’ll keep coming.
Wood is coming in with the double jab, but Cacace is picking his counters beautifully.
Bell goes and it’s another big smile from Cacace on his way to his counter.
Cacace vs Wood
22:46 , Matt VerriRound 6
Cacace lands a nice combination at close range, in what has been another fairly cagey round.
Shot! Brilliant from Cacace, who breaks into a smile and now he’s really letting his hands go.
Wood covering up, his head was rocked back by four, five, six shots in a row. Left hook from Cacace was well blocked, that could have been big trouble had that landed flush.
Cacace going through the gears, snapping jab and then another flurry. Sensational minute or so for him.
4-2 up at halfway on my card.
Cacace vs Wood
22:42 , Matt VerriRound 5
Can sense the respect both have for each other. Neither wanting to be reckless and risk a mistake.
This is a really tight round in the first two minutes, nothing in it. There for each to steal in the final 60 seconds.
Triple jab from Wood, but then backs off. Cacace responds with one of his own.
Wood tries to land an uppercut on the bell, Cacace turns away from it.
Cacace vs Wood
22:38 , Matt VerriRound 4
Cacace really jerky with the feints, not letting Wood get much rhythm.
Wood standing in the centre of the ring trying to walk him down, but the Northern Irishman is picking his counter shots really well.
Wood does close the distance this time, three or four shots thundered in.
Straight right from Wood, and then the uppercut on the inside. Great shots.
2-2.
Cacace vs Wood
22:34 , Matt VerriRound 3
Cacace has landed a couple of short rights as Wood rushes in.
And now an uppercut gets through, Wood quickly back onto the ropes. He’s coming under pressure for the first time.
Big left hook now, it’s all Cacace. He’s switch to southpaw this round and he’s dominating.
Wood steadies the ship in the final minute, but that was Cacace’s round. 2-1 up, I’ve got it.
Cacace vs Wood
22:30 , Matt VerriRound 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
22:26 , Matt VerriRound 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!
22:23 , Matt VerriRight 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.
22:17 , Matt VerriLeigh 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!
22:13 , Matt VerriSweet 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!
22:07 , Matt Verri97-94. 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
22:04 , Matt VerriRound 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
22:00 , Matt VerriRound 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.
Taylor vs Jones
21:55 , Matt VerriRound 8
Three rounds to go.
Biiiig left hook to the body from Taylor, Jones has to have felt that. Head then snapped back with a sharp jab.
And Jones then slightly staggered, uppercut lands clean and backed up by Taylor’s straight right.
Great response from Jones, right uppercut of his own as he pushes Taylor back onto the ropes. Getting to work on the inside.
Still time for one more shot from Taylor on the bell... great round!
Taylor vs Jones
21:52 , Matt VerriRound 7
Jones is taking a fair few shots but nothing has particularly hurt him. Dealing with Taylor’s power well.
Again Jones has Taylor pushed back onto the ropes, wants it as physical as possible.
But Taylor snaps back with a huge left hook, and another one. Jones does now look to be feeling it.
Great burst from Taylor and that might just be enough to snatch that round.
Jones’ corner really animated with him, clearly frustrated.
Taylor vs Jones
21:48 , Matt VerriRound 6
No half measures from Taylor when he does throw the right hook. Winds it up from a mile back.
Left hook catches Jones, who is still working really hard but isn’t getting much to show from it.
Right hand forces Taylor back onto the ropes, but the referee then stops the fight again to warn Jones about pushing Taylor’s head down. He’s close to getting a point off.
Final five seconds of the round and Taylor produces a big flurry.
He’s got to be at least 4-2 up, maybe even 5-1.
Taylor vs Jones
21:43 , Matt VerriRound 5
Left hook lands flush on Jones, but he takes it well and fires straight back.
Nose is becoming more of a problem for Jones too, a fair bit of blood flowing from it.
He’s still trying to get on the inside and rough Taylor up, but he’s increasingly getting caught on the way in.
At halfway, it’s Taylor very much on top.
Taylor vs Jones
21:39 , Matt VerriRound 4
“Every right hand with a hook behind it,” is the instruction from Taylor’s corner.
Left uppercut lands for Taylor, bit of blood from Jones’ nose now.
The pace from Jones has just dropped off a bit, Taylor having a bit more of a comfortable time of it.
His best round, controlling it behind the jab and giving himself the space to throw the bigger shots.
Jones with a warning from the referee for pushing Taylor’s head down.
Taylor now with a clubbing combination, really letting his hands go. Great round for him.
Taylor vs Jones
21:35 , Matt VerriRound 3
Taylor does look the classier of the two fighters, but a messier bout is suiting Jones just fine.
Fair bit of clinching, exchanges on the inside and Jones is trying to make it as gruelling as possible.
When Taylor has room to let that right hand go, you do feel like Jones could be in trouble.
I’ve got it 2-1 Taylor, but these have been tough rounds to score.
Taylor vs Jones
21:31 , Matt VerriRound 2
There are plenty of big shots being thrown from Taylor - will be interesting to see how Jones copes when one really lands.
To be fair to Jones, he’s probably made the better start. He’s marching forward, whipping in a succession of good shots to the body. Not letting Taylor settle.
Left hook lands from Taylor, sharp jab behind it.
Taylor with a clubbing right on the bell... and then takes one just after it. Didn’t look thrilled with that.
Taylor vs Jones
21:27 , Matt VerriRound 1
Taylor has thrown four or five overhand rights in the first minute - none of them land.
Jones can see it coming, he’s keeping that left hand nice and high.
Good work to the body from Taylor too, but he’s then spun back onto the ropes by Jones.
Referee has had a pretty busy opening round.
Taylor is from Nottingham, so you can have a wild stab at who the fans might be backing in this one.
Huge roar as his name is read in the ring.
Here we go...
Ring walks done - Ezra Taylor absolutely strutted his way through the crowds.
Either he’s feeling incredibly confident or he should give boxing up and become an actor. Immediately.
Two to go!
21:13 , Matt VerriOne more fight before we turn to the main event.
Next up it’s Troy Jones vs Ezra Taylor - will the two light-heavyweights serve up the first knockout of the main undercard?
Davies wins by unanimous decision!
21:07 , Matt VerriHere are the cards...
117-111. 115-113. 116-112.
All in favour of Liam Davies!
That 115-113 in particular feels a bit narrow, but the right result.
Davies vs Walker
21:04 , Matt VerriRound 12
Sudden burst from Davies, who has Walker as hurt as he has been all night. Irishman was staggering around the ring.
Left and right to the body, Davies putting on a show in this final round.
Gone back to being a bit more controlled now, cruising towards the finish line.
In his first fight after moving up to 126lbs, that was really impressive from Davies.
I’ve got it 118-110.
Davies vs Walker
21:00 , Matt VerriRound 11
Walker working really hard to be fair to him, with little reward.
Forcing the pace, fires in a couple of sharp shots... four come back from Davies, who genuinely doesn’t look any more tired than he did in the first round.
Three minutes away from a wide points win, you would have to think.
Davies vs Walker
20:56 , Matt VerriRound 10
Walker trying to wrestle his way back into this, cutting the distance and throwing on the inside.
It’s all too messy though, landing on the arms if anything.
Davies whips in a left hook that looked to be low... Walker’s corner not happy but the ref lets it go.
Another five, six-shot combination from Davies in the final seconds of the round. Nothing too powerful, but those are scoring shots.
I’ve got him 8-2 up and cruising.
Davies vs Walker
20:52 , Matt VerriRound 9
Davies throwing much more than Walker, he’s seemingly got plenty still left in the tank.
Walker’s nose is bleeding again. He’s closing the distance, but Davies is happy to hold and slow things down.
Cleaner work coming from Davies, who lands a nice one-two right on the bell. His round again.
Walker needs a knockout.
Davies vs Walker
20:48 , Matt VerriRound 8
Left hook from Davies catches Walker as he was stepping back, briefly lost balance.
It’s a fairly uneventful round, which is suiting Davies. He’ll be nicking these tight rounds, as a result of being on the front foot and landing the more eye-catching jabs.
And he’s looked pretty comfortable in doing so. 6-2.
Davies vs Walker
20:44 , Matt VerriRound 7
No forcing of the issue from Davies, he’s content to keep picking his moments with the jab and quick bursts.
Left hook from Walker catches Davies flush, one of his best shots of the fight.
Not sure it’s enough for the round though - I’ve got Davies 5-2 up.
Davies vs Walker
20:40 , Matt VerriRound 6
Davies’ corner seem happy with how it’s going. They’re telling him that Walker is slowing down, and that he’s hating the jab.
More of those snapping jabs coming in, with Davies back in the centre of the ring and forcing the pace.
Feels pretty clear now that for all Walker has had a decent few rounds, he doesn’t look to be able to hurt Davies.
Davies vs Walker
20:36 , Matt VerriRound 5
Left hook from Walker, who has really grown in confidence.
Davies landing the jab not really backing it up with combinations as he was earlier in the fight.
Still ahead in the bout, but it’s not as comfortable as it was.
Davies vs Walker
20:32Round 4
Definitely been a change of approach from Walker in the last couple of rounds.
He was getting dominated early on but it’s much more competitive now.
It’s a bit messier, with Walker getting on the inside and turning it into a bit of a brawl.
Nice right to the body late in the round. I’ve got it 3-1 Davies after four.
Davies vs Walker
20:28 , Matt VerriRound 3
Davies doesn’t appear to have any concerns about what is coming back at him.
More body shots, but Walker is trying to hold his feet a bit more in this round. He’s the one on the front foot.
Still not sure it’s enough to win it, but a much better round for Walker.
Davies vs Walker
20:24 , Matt VerriRound 2
Walker is... not really moving. Davies landing the jab at will but he’s not having to work particularly hard to do so.
Lands a decent right hook there, does Walker, but Davies is just marching forward and looking full of confidence.
Davies letting his hands go to head and body, blood from the nose of Walker.
Davies’ round and it wasn’t close.
Davies vs Walker
20:20 , Matt VerriRound 1
Walker a very good fighter technically, but power is the one question that hangs over him. Can be an awkward opponent for Davies over 12 rounds, though.
Davies in the centre of the ring, but he hasn’t really let his hands go yet.
He goes for a left hook there, Walker ducks under it and Davies’ momentum sends him clattering into the ropes. Not a great look.
Scrappy round.
Here we go then, fighters in the ring and all the announcing waffle has been done.
Davies looks big at featherweight - no idea how he was coping before this move up.
We’re underway!
Next up...
20:09 , Matt VerriAttention now turns to Liam Davies vs Kurt Walker!
Davies looking to bounce back from the first defeat of his career, having lost to Shabaz Masoud at the end of last year.
He now moves up to 126lbs to take on the unbeaten Walker.
In the building...
20:04 , Matt VerriLeigh Wood has arrived at the Motorpoint Arena.
Nottingham Forest scarf on - going to be some atmosphere when he walks out later tonight!
Composure 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐝 😮💨@itsLeighWood is looking calm ahead of his monumental clash with @AntoC6 🔥#CacaceWood | Tonight | Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham | @daznboxing pic.twitter.com/L3pZtFb82H
— Queensberry Promotions (@Queensberry) May 10, 2025
Cooper gets the decision!
20:00 , Matt VerriTo the referee’s card we go.
He’s scored it 96-94... to Owen Cooper!
He moves to 11-1, serious turnaround from Cooper who won basically every round from the halfway stage.
Cooper vs Kongo
19:57 , Matt VerriRound 10
To be fair it’s just as animated from Cooper’s corner. Both teams know this is in the balance.
Kongo has listened, he’s standing in the centre of the ring and swinging for the hills. Unfortunately those hills are about four feet over the head of Cooper.
“Let’s go” is the scream from Kongo’s corner, as Cooper has another good burst.
Gumshield out from Kongo, who looks like he’s going to fall over when he swings in those big shots. Nothing subtle about it.
Cooper not looking tired at all, still bouncing around confidently. Really enjoyable final round.
I’ve got it 96-94 Cooper, but could easily be a draw.
Cooper vs Kongo
19:54 , Matt VerriRound 9
Kongo needs to find a way to turn this momentum around, he’s lost the last three rounds.
But again he’s leaning on the ropes as Cooper comes skipping forward, whipping the shots into the body. Cooper is eight years younger than Kongo and it’s showing.
Kongo is still throwing a fair bit, but none if it seems to be bothering Cooper.
Kongo’s corner getting very aggressive with him in the corner before the final round.
“You’ve got the knock him out. Can you do it? Well then tell me you can do.”
Cooper vs Kongo
19:49 , Matt VerriRound 8
It’s a more low-key round in the opening two minutes, there for either of them to win heading into the final 60 seconds.
Timely overhand right again from Cooper, and backs it up to the body as Kongo sits right back on the ropes.
Lovely uppercut landed by Cooper, and there is every chance this fight is level with two rounds to go.
Cooper vs Kongo
19:45 , Matt VerriRound 7
Just looking a bit more ragged now from Kongo, Cooper has found a second wind and he’s on top.
Cooper’s corner making a lot of noise with every shot he lands, keen to emphasise their man is having a good spell.
Left to the body, as Kongo swings a wild right hand that misses by a long way.
Overhand right, two good hooks to the body and another uppercut. Brilliant from Cooper.
He’s surely won the last two... I’ve got him only 4-3 down now.
Cooper vs Kongo
19:41 , Matt VerriRound 6
Double jab from Cooper, Kongo stops and stares at the canvas... his gumshield popped out.
So many of Cooper’s shots are falling just short, needs to find a way to close the distance.
Better final minute for Cooper, he’s getting to work at close range. Works to the body, can’t quite land the uppercut.
Good burst though, probably enough to take the round.
Cooper vs Kongo
19:37 , Matt VerriRound 5
Right uppercut, left hook, left uppercut... Kongo going through the full set.
Cooper responds with a nice double jab, and then a much better right hand to slow down Kongo in the corner.
Another huge uppercut from Kongo, Cooper walks onto it again. Neck snapped back.
Right hand lands right on the bell too. Kongo 4-1 up at halfway?
Cooper vs Kongo
19:33 , Matt VerriRound 4
Left hook from Cooper, again Kongo then holds and manages to swivel Cooper back onto the ropes.
Kongo looking very comfortable, making the most of his reach advantage to stay out of trouble.
They exchange on the inside in the final seconds of the round - Kongo very much on top for now.
Cooper vs Kongo
19:29 , Matt VerriRound 3
Couple of nice uppercuts from Cooper on the inside, but Kongo responds to the body and that briefly looks to have hurt Cooper.
Both holding their feet a bit more now, best round of the fight.
Kongo doing a good job of rolling off the ropes whenever he does get pushed back.
Overhand right from Kongo, Cooper sees it coming and can block. I’ve got it 2-1 Kongo after three.
Cooper vs Kongo
19:25 , Matt VerriRound 2
More intensity from Cooper, trying to force the pace on the front foot.
Kongo back on the ropes and Cooper threatens to really let his hands go, but Kongo shoves him off.
It’s a really even fight so far.
Cooper vs Kongo
19:21 , Matt VerriRound 1
Kongo trying to box at range, establishing that jab. Been a fairly cagey start from both.
Cooper the one in centre ring on the whole, but he hasn’t really landed anything yet.
Good left to the body from Kongo late in the round, he probably just about edged it.
Cooper vs Kongo
19:18 , Matt VerriCrowd are very much behind Cooper, if the ring walks and announcements are anything to go by.
Ten rounds of welterweight action scheduled. Let’s go...
Here we go!
19:14 , Matt VerriChris Kongo first to make his way to the ring.
He won three fights last year to get his career back on track, having lost to Ekow Essuman at the end of 2023.
Owen Cooper was beaten by Essuman himself last summer, and he now returns to the ring for the first time since then.
All on the line
19:07 , Matt VerriCarl Frampton suggests that the loser of the main event tonight will retire.
Hard to argue with that - Anthony Cacace and Leigh Wood both 36 now, and can’t imagine either will have much desire to drop down in level and rebuild.
Can be confident both will leave it all in the ring then, with careers on the line.
Main undercard time!
18:58 , Matt VerriRight, time for the serious business of the night.
The main undercard is about to get underway in Nottingham, with three fights before Anthony Cacace and Leigh Wood take centre stage.
Here’s what we have to look forward to:
Anthony Cacace vs Leigh Wood
Liam Davies vs Kurt Walker
Troy Jones vs Ezra Taylor
Owen Cooper vs Chris Kongo
Noakes with third-round stoppage
18:53 , Matt VerriSlightly strange finish to this one.
Victory for Sam Noakes, after Patrik Balaz basically just stopped. Fair to say he’d had more than enough of this fight.
Yet another stoppage from @SamNoakes3 😤#CacaceWood | Tonight | Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham | @daznboxing pic.twitter.com/1tjDYAMUyY
— Queensberry Promotions (@Queensberry) May 10, 2025
Wood: Inactivity won't be a problem
18:43 , Matt VerriLeigh Wood had momentum on his side 19 months ago when he beat Josh Warrington in dramatic fashion, but he has not fought since then.
The 36-year-old has put that down to injury issues and a change of promoters, with Wood now a part of Frank Warren’s stable.
How much that inactivity has impacted him will be found out tonight, but the Nottingham fighter is confident he will pick up from where he left off.
"A lot of people are probably betting on that lay-off to be my undoing, but I'll prove them wrong," Wood said.
"It's been 19 months out of the ring, but not out of the gym. I've always been working, doing what I can do and living the life.
"That is what will pay dividends for me on fight night. I live the life. It's not just for a week, but it's week in, week out, year in and year out.
"I'm extremely focused, I've done everything I need to do and I feel great."
Job done for Williams!
18:35 , Matt VerriLewis Williams moves to 3-0, after a comfortable points win over Viktar Chvarkou.
Reminder that the main undercard begins at 7pm BST, and we’ll have full coverage of that for you from then.
Not long now...
The rise of heavyweight prodigy Lewis Williams continues 🔥#CacaceWood | Tonight | Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham | @daznboxing pic.twitter.com/bnEIyb3nWR
— Queensberry Promotions (@Queensberry) May 10, 2025
Cacace: I don't need crowd support
18:23 , Matt VerriAnthony Cacace vacated his IBF super-featherweight world title, as he wanted to pursue the biggest possible fights rather than fulfil his mandatory obligations.
That has led him to a showdown with Leigh Wood tonight, and he has no issues with coming to his opponent’s home town for it.
"I'm sure Leigh would have travelled to Belfast but I decided to come to Nottingham, Leigh sells a lot of tickets and it's something new for me," Cacace said.
"I don't need anybody to bring me on, I have it in my heart and the desire in myself.
"I'm going to win the fight in Nottingham in front of his home crowd and I'm going to go home."
Final face-off
18:12 , Matt VerriIt’s been respectful between Anthony Cacace and Leigh Wood all throughout the build-up to this fight.
That was still the case at yesterday’s weigh-in, as they embraced after facing off.
The talking’s finished 🤐@AntoC6 vs @itsLeighWood promises to be nothing short of a sensational 💫#CacaceWood | Tomorrow | Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham | @daznboxing pic.twitter.com/36YLBnTrvj
— Queensberry Promotions (@Queensberry) May 9, 2025
So far tonight...
18:03 , Matt VerriThe initial undercard action began earlier this afternoon.
Charlie Senior has eased to victory on his professional debut, while there have also been wins for Harris Akbar, Joe Cooper, Nico Leivars, Huey Malone and Joe Tyers.
Busy old card at the Motorpoint Arena!
Standard Sport prediction
17:49 , Matt VerriIt is hardly unusual for promoters to bill a bout as a potential fight of the year contender, but this one does look capable of delivering on the hype.
With Cacace and Wood now 36, it is not an exaggeration to say a career is on the line for both fighters, with it hard to see either having the appetite for a slow rebuild back to the top of the sport.
Wood has made a habit of being involved in all-action fights, with the showdown with Warrington no different. The Nottingham man was second-best for much of the night, only to burst into life with a stunning combination to stop Warrington.
It was more routine for Cacace against the same opponent last year, when all three judges gave him a wide points win.
A key question is what an absence of a year and a half has taken out of Wood, particularly at this stage of his career. With a succession of gruelling fights on the clock, it feels inevitable that he could start to show signs of slowing down and that would be crucial in a bout of fight margins.
Cacace has the experience of fighting at 130lbs and enjoyed a brilliant 2024 while Wood was away, and he can come out on top here at the end of what promises to be a blockbuster affair.
Cacace to win on points
Cacace vs Wood card in full
17:38 , Matt VerriAnthony Cacace vs Leigh Wood
Liam Davies vs Kurt Walker
Troy Jones vs Ezra Taylor
Owen Cooper vs Chris Kongo
Sam Noakes vs Patrik Balaz
Lewis Williams vs Viktar Chvarkou
Huey Malone vs Jakub Laskowski
Charlie Senior vs Cesar Paredes
Nico Leivars vs Darwing Martinez
Joe Copper vs Dmitri Protkunas
Joe Tyers vs Mario Portillo
Harris Akbar vs Octavian Gratii
How to watch Cacace vs Wood
17:28 , Matt VerriTV channel and live stream: In the UK, tonight’s event is being broadcast live via DAZN.
Timings for tonight's card
17:17 , Matt VerriThe main undercard is set to get underway at 7pm BST in the UK.
Ring walks for Cacace vs Wood are expected at around 10pm, though that of course depends on the length of the bouts earlier in the night.
Good evening!
17:09 , Matt VerriHello and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Anthony Cacace vs Leigh Wood!
It promises to be a thrilling night in Nottingham, with a main event that has been billed a potential fight of the year contender.
Cacace and Wood rarely disappoint when they step into the right - expect a brilliant bout!
We’ll have full coverage of that later tonight, as well as all the action from the undercard before then.
Stick with us!
