NOTTINGHAM — In a thrilling night of boxing, reigning IBO super featherweight champion Anthony Cacace faced off against former WBA titleholder Leigh Wood at the Motorpoint Arena on May 10, 2025. This highly anticipated bout marked Wood's return after an 18-month layoff, and the stakes were high as both fighters sought to solidify their positions in the sport.
Cacace, boasting a record of 23-1 with 8 KOs, entered the ring with an impressive 2024 campaign behind him, which included victories over notable opponents such as Joe Cordina and Josh Warrington. Cacace vacated his IBF title earlier this year to pursue this lucrative matchup with Wood, who came into the fight with a record of 28-3 and 17 KOs.
The event, organized by Queensberry Promotions, featured a packed 12-fight card, showcasing Olympic medallists, rising amateurs, and seasoned professionals. The main card began at 2 p.m. ET, with Cacace and Wood expected to walk to the ring around 5 p.m. ET.
As the night unfolded, the undercard delivered several exciting matchups. Owen Cooper kicked off the televised portion with a hard-fought 10-round decision victory over Chris Kongo, scoring 96-94 on the judges' cards. Cooper, now with a record of 11-1, demonstrated resilience and skill, particularly in the latter rounds, overcoming a slow start to secure the win.
Meanwhile, Sam Noakes continued his impressive run, stopping Patrik Balaz in the third round. Noakes, now 17-0 with 15 KOs, showcased his punching power and precision, knocking Balaz down early and maintaining control throughout the bout.
Lewis Williams stepped up next, defeating Viktar Chvarkou by a score of 60-54, while Charlie Senior marked his debut with a solid performance against Cesar Ignacio Paredes, winning by unanimous decision with a score of 59-54. Harris Akbar also shone in his debut, earning a points victory over Octavian Gratii, finishing with a score of 40-36.
Joe Cooper, another promising talent, won his bout against Dmitri Protkunas by a score of 40-36, while Nico Leivars outclassed Darwing Martinez, earning a 60-55 decision. Huey Malone and Joe Tyers also registered victories on the undercard, with Malone defeating Jakub Laskowski and Tyers overcoming Mario Valenzuela Portillo.
As the main event approached, anticipation filled the arena. Cacace, known for his tactical prowess and striking ability, faced the challenge of Wood, who aimed to reclaim his momentum in a new weight class after a significant hiatus. The crowd buzzed with excitement as both fighters prepared to leave it all in the ring.
In the lead-up to the fight, Cacace was seen warming up backstage, while Wood's calm demeanor suggested confidence despite the long layoff. The atmosphere was electric as fans rallied behind their respective fighters, with Cacace receiving a warm welcome as he walked out to the tune of "Zombie" by The Cranberries.
As the fighters met in the center of the ring, the tension was palpable. Both men knew that victory could open doors to lucrative title shots later in the year. Cacace's strategy hinged on utilizing his height and reach advantage, while Wood aimed to leverage his knockout power and experience.
As the bout commenced, Cacace started strong, utilizing his jab effectively to control the distance. Wood, however, showcased his resilience, responding with powerful counterpunches that kept Cacace on alert. The rounds unfolded with both fighters exchanging blows, each seeking to gain the upper hand.
In the early rounds, Cacace appeared to edge ahead, landing clean shots and maintaining a steady pace. Wood, however, dug deep, showcasing his grit and determination, reminding everyone of his championship pedigree. The fight was a back-and-forth affair, with neither fighter willing to give an inch.
As the rounds progressed, the judges' scorecards reflected the competitive nature of the contest. The crowd roared with every significant punch landed, and both fighters displayed their heart and skill, making for an unforgettable evening of boxing.
As the fight neared its conclusion, fans were left on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the judges' final verdict. Both Cacace and Wood had left everything in the ring, and the outcome would undoubtedly shape the future of their careers.
In addition to the main event, the undercard results highlighted the depth of talent on display. Ezra Taylor dominated Troy Jones with a unanimous decision victory, further establishing himself as a top prospect in the light heavyweight division. The judges scored the bout 99-91, 100-90, and 97-94 in favor of Taylor.
Liam Davies also made headlines with his unanimous decision win over Kurt Walker, capturing the IBF Intercontinental featherweight title with scores of 117-111, 115-113, and 116-112. The fight showcased Davies' skill and poise, proving he is a contender to watch in the featherweight division.
As the night concluded, fans left the Motorpoint Arena buzzing with excitement, eager to discuss the action they had witnessed. For Cacace and Wood, the fight marked a pivotal moment in their careers, and the boxing world will be watching closely to see what comes next for both fighters.
