That run led many observers to view the Belfast southpaw as the stronger fighter despite Dickens holding the belt. Some even expect the fight to go the distance, with Cacace’s strength and recent form cited as the reasons.
However, Dickens had heard similar predictions before in his career. The 34-year-old built his reputation the hard way, climbing through several setbacks before finally reaching world title level. His breakthrough came in 2025 when he stopped Olympic gold medalist Albert Batyrgaziev in four rounds to capture the interim WBA belt, and was later elevated to full champion.
That victory showed the kind of tenacity that defined Dickens’ long career. While much of the attention heading into Saturday’s fight has focused on Cacace’s recent victories, Dickens has proven time and time again that he is capable of upsetting expectations.
However, Cacace believes that the moment has come for him. The 37-year-old challenger was open about the importance of the event and said a win would place him among Ireland’s top fighters.
“I’m raring to go,” Cacace said during fight week. “If I win this title, I can go down as one of Ireland’s greatest ever fighters and that’s what motivates me.”
Those stakes help explain why the fight holds more intrigue than the usual title defense. Dickens is the defending champion, but the momentum and public expectation seem to be with the challenger.
Dickens weighed in at 129.14 pounds at Friday’s weigh-in, while Cacace came in slightly heavier at 129.5 pounds, both comfortably under the 130-pound limit.
Dickens will defend his WBA super featherweight title against Cacace on Saturday night at the 3Arena in Dublin. The event will be broadcast live worldwide on DAZN.
