Boxing

ANTONY CACACE has made a huge statement after stopping Leigh Wood in nine dominant rounds in Nottingham.In-form Northern Ireland ace Cacace added to his scalps of Joe Cordina and Josh Warrington with a stunning win over Wood on away soil.Cacace dominated Wood, and after dropping his man in the ninth round, Wood’s trainer Ben Davison threw in the towel with his fighter in serious danger.BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKFollow ALL the action from the Nottingham Arena with our live blog below…Ropes holding Wood hopes upAfter Carcace landed a series of telling blows, he landed a barrage of combos that really seemed to knock Wood for six.As he stumbled backwards, only the ropes were keeping him on his feet.Hoping to see him bounce-back, it did not happen and they had to throw the towel in to protect their man.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedNorthern Irish jewel in the crownAnthony Cacace put his belt on the line for this fight.With Leigh Wood making a long-awaited return to the ring, there was a mutual respect between the two fighters.While admitting he did not face the best version of his opponent, there was no doubting that this victory meant a lot to the Irishman.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Wally Downes Jr in NottinghamANTHONY CACACE snatched his latest world-champion scalp with a ninth-round stoppage of Leigh Wood.The pair of 36-year-olds clashed at super-featherweight at Woods’ local Nottingham arena.But the Belfast beast – beat Joe Cordina and Josh Warrington in his previous two outings – overpowered his fellow veteran just before the championship rounds.The Forest fan got his jab firing off quickly, tagging Cacace to head and body.But the Northern Ireland ace was clever and spiteful, slashing right hands in, when Wood dared get too close.Cacace settled into the second and started to land his left hooks.But, right on the bell, Wood rolled under an attack and seemed to crack his rival with a perfect left hook.Wood’s double jabs in the third were crisp and caused switch-hitter Cacace to turn southpaw for the first time.It was a nip-and-tuck affair until Cacace took over and in round nine he put one foot on Wood’s neck and the other on the accelerator.A left hook robbed Wood of his balance and his soul.Copy linkCopiedWarren targets Belfast homecomingAs next fights were talked about for the champion, Frank Warren announced that his next fight will be in North Ireland.He promised his boxer a Belfast homecoming in front of the cameras and will no doubt be held to his word.It seems only right, Anthony Cacace has defended his title and would love nothing more than fighting in front of his own fans back home.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedChamp happy with victoryAnthony Cacace spoke with DAZN about this big victory against Leigh Wood this evening:I put a lot of pressure on myself. I have beaten two world champions. I did not face the best Leigh Wood tonight but I won. I’ve got thank Frank Warren, he has come into my life and given me the chances. I have to thank my team as well, this group of people are why I am fighting so well at 36-years-old. I took this fight solely for money, this is why I’m in Nottingham tonight. Show me the money and I will travel anywhere.Anthony CacaceIBO super-featherweight championCopy linkCopiedWood return just falls shortAs Cacace offloaded a barrage of punches in the ninth round, it was in fact the corner of Wood who threw the towel in.They knew their man would not give up but they felt there was a danger of him getting hurt in that round.What a fight it was from the pair but Cacace just had that extra gear and seemed capable of taking it up a notch if the need was there.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedAnthony Cacace wins by stoppageCopy linkCopiedAnthony Cacace vs Leigh Wood (Round 9)Wow, wat a round of boxing that was.Cacace lands some heavy blows on the chi of Wood and at one stage only the ropes are holding Wood up.The referee gives Wood a standing match but the fight continues.Cacace keeps landing some telling blows and often Wood does not seem to be fighting back.It has been stopped, Cacace defends his belt in enemy territory here.Copy linkCopiedAnthony Cacace vs Leigh Wood (Round 8)Wood lands a couple of goof hits and there is blood on the cheek and coming from the nose of Cacace.That should give the challenger some confidence in this fight.As the round goes on, Wood seems to be looking to offload more left hooks, with added power behind them now.The boxers get in close once again and Cacace catches Wood with a quickly thrown left-hook.Copy linkCopiedAnthony Cacace vs Leigh Wood (Round 7)Wood is trying to work his way back into this fight.Cacace looks to have the much faster handspeed when he comes forward.The Irishman’s feet movement and confidence to get on the front foot seems to be a level up to what Wood is offering here.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedAnthony Cacace vs Leigh Wood (Round 6)Cacace seems to be taking it up a gear in this round.He is looking sharp and hunting down Wood in the ring.Wood is landing punches but he is really catching Cacace on the way out.The reigning champion is starting to get his combinations going.Cacace is starting to land some telling punches on Wood.Copy linkCopiedAnthony Cacace vs Leigh Wood (Round 5)Cacace is leading forward with uppercuts but only hitting air.Carl Frampton has the Irishman up three rounds to one so far.The speed of punching from Cacace is always a big danger.Another close round that is tough to call here.Copy linkCopiedAnthony Cacace vs Leigh Wood (Round 4)Cacace is looking to switch it up with his stance.He needs be wary, many boxers have been caught out trying to switch stances mid-fight.Wood is getting in close with the double jab but not forcing it home.Cacace ducks down into an uppercut from Wood just towards the end of the round.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedAnthony Cacace vs Leigh Wood (Round 3)After landing some good punches, the crowd start to sing “Leigh Wood, he’s one of our own’.As Wood catches Cacace with a good punch, it seems to rock the Irishman.He comes straight back at Wood and catchs him with an uppercut which seems to bloody his nose.A very good round of boxing from both fighters there.Copy linkCopiedAnthony Cacace vs Leigh Wood (Round 2)There does not seem to be any rustiness from Wood from his time out of the ring, thhat is for sure.He catches Cacace with some jabs and he cannot get inside.Towards the end of the round, Cacace lands a left hook but Wood wears it well.Just before the bell, Wood lands a great left hook himself whichh catches Cacace square in the head.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedAnthony Cacace vs Leigh Wood (Round 1)Wood seems to be trying to find his feet in the ring again.He looks to keep Cacace at bay with his jabs.However, Cacace comes over the top with two big punches that land.A first round where both fighters look to probe their opponent here.Copy linkCopiedAnthony Cacace vs Leigh WoodCacace’s corner lift the belt aloft as we go through the ring announcements.Wood’s corner hold a Nottingham Forest scarf up.Big challenge this evening if Wood wants to beat a world champion.Copy linkCopiedAnthony Cacace vs Leigh WoodThis is the fight that everyone has been waiting for.19-months out of the ring for Leigh Wood, he has been waiting to get back in that right for some time.At this weight, these are two of the best boxers out there right now and it is time for them to show us who wants this more.Copy linkCopiedTaylor keeps unbeaten record Ezra Taylor looked like a fighter who wanted to keep his impressive record going this evening.Tactically, he boxed so well and Troy Jones struggled to find a way through.Now he has the vacant WBO Continental Gold Light Heavyweight Championship belt in his possession as a reward for his efforts tonight.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedEzra Taylor wins by unanimous decisionCopy linkCopiedEzra Taylor vs Troy Jones (Round 10)Jones walks on to a big overhand right from Taylor.He certainly felt that one.As Jones looks to come inside, he is caught by another flush shot from Taylor.Taylor offloads a four punch combo that has Jones in trouble.This has been a great fight and Taylor has looked the pick of the pair.Copy linkCopiedEzra Taylor vs Troy Jones (Round 9)Jones is really looking to take it up a gear now.He knows that he may be slightly behind on the card.This has been a good co-main event this evening, both of these fighters have put it all on the line.It is what every boxing fan wants to see, two fighters who are willing to have a real slugfest.A big right hand from Taylor seems to rock Jones but the bell comes to his rescue.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedEzra Taylor vs Troy Jones (Round 8)This is going to be a tough one to call if it goes to the card.Jones is trying to force his way in close and get some shots off.The bodyshots from Taylor are echoing around this arena, such is the force of them.Good uppercut and hook from Taylor seems to rock Jones.Towards the end of the round, Jones lands a great uppercut that lands on the jaw of his opponent.Copy linkCopiedEzra Taylor vs Troy Jones (Round 7)Both fighters are really giving it their all in this fight.It looks like two boxers who are looking to ensure they keep unbeaten records intact.Jones’ punches do not seem to be hurting Taylor.Some showboating from Taylor towards the end of the round, which the fans seem to enjoy.Copy linkCopiedEzra Taylor vs Troy Jones (Round 6)This fight is scheduled for ten rounds this evening.Taylor is still getting some big bodyshots in and trying to come over the top with some shots over the top.Jones has some wear and tear to the face from all he is having to take in this fight.Great end to the round from Taylor as he lands a series of combinations.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopied More

TOMMY FURY’S return to the ring after 18 months has been a success as the former Love Island star beat Kenan Hanjalic in Budapest!It was a scrappy contest to say the least but TNT won on points before dedicating the victory to ‘sweetheart’ Molly Mae and calling out bitter rival Jake Paul.And Tommy’s half-brother Roman also came out on top tonight with a dominant KO victory.The ref was forced to call an end to what was a heavily dominated fight after just round four.Full card scores Tommy Fury UD beats Kenan Hanjalic Roman Fury KOs Josip PeharShokhjakhon Abdullaev vs Irakli Alanidze – N/AVaradi Sandor UD beats Nikolas PanicValentin Koloszar UD beats Alexandru IonitaCopy linkCopiedNight of Fury Here’s how the two main fights played out with the Fury bros claiming important wins:Copy linkCopiedFury entices Paul rematch Fury’s post-match touched on all the agony of the past year. All the sacrifices, tribulations and hurt suffered in his long-waited return to the ring and what next. When questioned about a possible rematch with Jake Paul, he refers to him as a terrified b***h and maintains that there is no question that he will knock him out the second time.A rematch will certainly entice many. Copy linkCopiedFury reacts to victoryFury is lapping up his return back in the winning column. “I just want to say thank you for this victory to the Lord Savior Jesus Christ, without him none of this would be possible,” he says buoyantly”I want to say hello to my beautifuyl baby girl Bambi at home, my sweetheart Molly, she’ll always be mine forever. “And I want to dedicate this to my mother and father because without them I wouldn’t be breathing, I wouldn’t be here. The reason I am here today is my mother and father. I will love them until the day I die and i owe them everything.”I’ve been through a hell of a lot these last two year. I’ve been though things that tear men down, drunk, alcoholic; I lost my family for a little bit. But I’ve turned things around, I’ve gone from being low to being on top of the world again.”Copy linkCopiedTommy Fury beats Kenan Hanjalic UD 6Fury’s first ring action in 18 months comes away with a bitty win on points. Shades of quality were present but nothing note-worthy enough that will have make headlines. TNT moves to an 11-0 record with more needing to come. Copy linkCopiedTommy Fury vs Kenan Hanjalic – Round 6Fury lands a tidy set of hooks on the upper but Hanjalic shows a commendable steel to take them and embrace them. An incredible amount of engaging, whether that be forced or not, from the two. Final round ends in the scrappy tempo this dust-up undertook. Result to come. Copy linkCopiedTommy Fury vs Kenan Hanjalic – Round 5Fury continues his semi-calculated approach in this. Hanjalic takes a momentarily knee with that low blow still having an uncomfortable impact on his already lax movement. A minute from time, Fury managed to let off some nice combos to the body but nothing Hanjalic couldn’t eat up. Copy linkCopiedTommy Fury vs Kenan Hanjalic – Round 4There’s little doubt that when Fury dose start to box hes the cleaner fighter but those moments are little between as he founds himself engaging in a scrap of belief rather than a fight of technique. Hanjalic pleads to the referee about the potential Fury head blows, but that dosen’t stop his charge to make this a messy fight even after a points deduction. Both are leaking, especially Hanjalic. Copy linkCopiedTommy Fury vs Kenan Hanjalic – Round 3A lot of jab-and-retreat work from Fury in the first two rounds but has now presented a more proactive challnege in the ring with his hands. In the closing stages lets his hands go and catches Hanjalic with a low blow and the face as the referee seeks clarification on whether he is able to continue, which he dose. Father John suggests that Tommy continues to control this encounter with the jab. Copy linkCopiedTommy Fury vs Kenan Hanjalic – Round 2Not much combination or technique from the two as the brute approach remains bare. Hanjalic stumbled on his feet early on before picking himself up and reneging with intention. A taunt or two from the Bosnian to assure he’s not going anywhere. Copy linkCopiedTommy Fury vs Kenan Hanjalic – Round 1 After an opening 30 seconds of assessing, Fury is on the immediate engage with a few jabs to the body. Not to the fear of Hanjalic, who carries the power that will cause undoubtedly cause hesitancy within Fury with the pair ending with a flurry of hooks and words. Copy linkCopiedTommy Fury vs Kenan HanjalicHanjalic enters the MTK Arena with a band of entourage in a black behind him in very business-like mode. Remember he came to Budapest with one mission – “to win.”Fury, the show-stopper that the Hungarian faithful have showed out for, is draped in a white-gold combo as he prances his way to the ring. Showtime. Copy linkCopiedTommy Fury vs Kenan HanjalicAfter a hellish break that one of the presenters calls “short” which lasted longer than the 10-minute intended break we took before the Roman Fury fight, main event action is upon us. Anyway, Tommy Fury is being welcomed to the ring finally. Copy linkCopiedElsewhereIf techno filler isn’t your thing, we’ve got the latest action on the World Seniors Snooker Championship and UK Open Pool Championship below: Copy linkCopiedThe wait goes onIt’s been a relatively quick and elaborate-planned night so far but at least the fans in Budapest have been treated to quite the event.From the stage performances to club-like vibes, the crowd has been tonight’s main feature as we await Tommy. Copy linkCopiedTommy Fury up nextWhat we expect to be the final musical performance of the event has come to an end as all focus now shifts towards Tommy Fury and his six-round cruiserweight fight with unknown Bosnian Kenan Hanjalic. Not before a bit more techno, of course. Copy linkCopiedRoman speaks on winFury record goes to 5-0 and will certainly endure a sterner test following this. “It was a great comeback. I’ve been out for 14 months so it was a good performance,” he said in his ring interview. “I want to dedicate this fight to my mother, she’s been in bad health and I love her to death, mother that’s for you.”Copy linkCopiedRoman Fury beats Josip Pehar via KOFury, who is donning a Hungary cap, gave the crowd the highlight moment to feast on despite its convoluted nature. Pehar was overmathced from the offset and once the first of three knockdowns occurred the onus was all Fury who claimed his stoppage in the fourth. Time for brother Tommy. Copy linkCopiedRoman Fury vs Josip Pehar – Round 4Fury knocks Pehar down again in Pehar’s attempts to scramble back into this contest. The Croatian meets the canvas again and the referee calls ends to this. Copy linkCopiedRoman Fury vs Josip Pehar – Round 3As you would expect, Fury goes all-out for the stoppage. The referee deems Pehar’s second fall of the night as a knocdown despite the bundled-down nature of it. Fury actions a sequence with multiple left hand Pehar’s main highlight has been holding, which deducted him a point and the wait to get his gumshield back in his mouth. Copy linkCopiedRoman Fury vs Josip Pehar – Round 2Fury, in Tyson-like fashion, jinks and faints his way around the ring probing for a look to get his right hand involved. Pehar escapes from some promsiing Fury combainations before engaing in grappling. Seconds before the end of this round, Fury DROPS Pehar with a planted left hand to the body. The bell saves him. If the size didn’t show it, his strategy does: there’s no stoppage coming from the Croatian despite his winning record. Copy linkCopiedRoman Fury vs Josip Pehar – Round 1Fury imposes the heavy right hand early on with John barking our advice in his corner. He tagged Pehar with a left hook but nothing that made the Croat retreat from battle. Copy linkCopiedFirst Fury up Roman will face Josip Pehar, who has won seven of his twelve professional bouts.Pehar had some issues with his walkout music as the audio just cut out with no resumption. As for Fury, he is draped out in white silk with gold lining, of course the famous name in capital gold at the back and importantly his walkout goes more swimmingly than Pehar. Copy linkCopiedInterlude doneBreak finished, half-time show wrapped up and all the shots of a semi-interactive crowd – all accompanied by the techno music and lights that this Hungary arena has to offer – now time for the meat and potatoes. The Fury brothers are set to enter the ring. As for the scheduled bout of Shokhjakhon Abdullaev vs Irakli Alanidze, there’s serious uncertainty on whether we will see that fight but that has yet to be clarified by anyone involved. Copy linkCopiedRoman Fury outlines intentionsRoman tends to fade into the irrelevancy when the Fury name is brought up, and for good reason. He has limted resume with even less credibility experience, but tonight presents a chance to craft out a proper name for himself. One that resonates beyond “Tommy’s older brother.”He is set to be the penultimate fight before our main event. Copy linkCopied More