Big-time boxing returns to Ireland this week as James ‘Jazza’ Dickens and Anthony Cacace headline at the 3Arena.
Dickens (36-5) puts his WBA super featherweight world title on the line against Cacace (24-1).
Despite being the challenger this weekend, the Irishman comes in as the betting favourite.
Likely as a result of a fantastic run following his only loss back in 2017 to Martin J Ward.
‘The Apache’ has fought nine times since that loss and has been flawless each time, picking up some big wins.
Cacace announced himself on the world stage on the undercard of Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk’s first clash.
He took on Joe Cordina for the IBF world title, with many expecting a win for the Welshman, who was unbeaten at the time.
‘Apache’ put on a boxing clinic, dropping Cordina in the third before stopping him in the eighth round.
He has fought twice since, against two former two-time world champions in Josh Warrington and Leigh Wood.
Of the two, the Wood performance was the most notable, ending the fight in the ninth round in his backyard of Nottingham.
His opponent, and the reigning champion, however, will be looking to spoil Cacace’s Irish homecoming on Saturday.
The Liverpudlian is on an impressive run of four wins on the spin.
That run includes an impressive points victory over Zelfa Barrett at the Co-op Live in Manchester.
He most recently headlined an IBA show in Istanbul, Turkey.
His opponent was unbeaten Russian Albert Batyrgaziev, who came in as the favourite.
Dickens put Batyrgaziev down twice in the fourth, leaving him in a dangerous position before his corner was forced to throw in the towel.
Cacace should have too much for the tough Dickens and will likely deal him his fifth stoppage defeat.
Pierce O’Leary vs Maxi Hughes
Rising Irish contender Pierce O’Leary (18-0) takes on Maxi Hughes (29-8-2) after a late opponent change.
He was originally scheduled to take on Mark Chamberlain, who was coming off his hard-fought draw with Jack Rafferty.
With Chamberlain unavailable, former world champion Hughes steps up.
Hughes defeated Kid Galahad in 2022 via majority decision in Nottingham.
‘Maximus’ has losses to George Kambosos Jr and William Zepeda.
He was on an impressive run of three wins against Efsathios Antonas, Gary Cully and Archie Sharp before getting a shot on an IBA card in Dubai.
He put up a good fight against Bakhodur Usmonov, but was beaten on the cards.
The unbeaten O’Leary should have enough in the bank to get a points decision victory over Hughes.
Remaining undercard
Irish prospect Steven Cairns (13-0) continues to take further steps in his professional career as he takes on Arnie Dawson (8-1).
He should pick up a wide points decision.
An absolute cracker 💥
Jazza Dickens takes on Anto Cacace for the WBA Super Featherweight World Title in Dublin 🔥#DickensCacace | Mar 14 | 3 Arena, Dublin | @DAZNBoxing pic.twitter.com/l4oYN4du1p
— Queensberry Promotions (@Queensberry) March 12, 2026
In a solid domestic clash, Eoghan Lavin (7-0) challenges former world title challenger Liam Walsh (9-0-2), who should have enough to get the win.
Ryan Garner (18-0) returns to action and should pick up a comfortable stoppage, coming off a stoppage victory against Reece Bellotti.
Davey Joyce (1-0) vs Wendel Da Costa Santos (3-6-4) should prove to be a good clash over four rounds, and Joyce should come out victorious.
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Eugene McKeever (1-0) continues his professional journey as he takes on the experienced Adrian Orban (6-18-1).
The Irishman will be looking to move to 2-0 and should have enough to secure a points decision.
Barry McReynolds (3-0) takes on Jonatas Rodrigo Gomes de Oliveira (6-38) as he looks to continue building momentum in the early stages of his career.
He should have enough to edge a decision over the Brazilian.
Highly regarded amateur Adam Olaniyan (debut) makes his professional debut on the card.
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The heavyweight will be eager to make a statement and could secure an early stoppage victory.
Gary Cully (18-2) returns to action against Benito Sanchez Garcia (17-17-4) as he looks to rebuild momentum following his defeat to Hughes last time out.
The Irishman should have far too much for Garcia and could secure a stoppage win.
Irish heavyweight Thomas Carty (10-1) also features on the card as he faces German Skobenko (6-18-2).
Carty should be expected to dominate proceedings and pick up a stoppage victory.
The biggest test of Colm Murphy’s career comes in a sold out arena this Saturday night 😤#DickensCacace | Mar 14 | 3 Arena, Dublin | @DAZNBoxing pic.twitter.com/YWPBVIiwYJ
— Queensberry Promotions (@Queensberry) March 12, 2026
Bobbi Flood (debut) begins his professional career against the experienced Bela Istvan Orban (6-19-2).
The debutant should get valuable rounds under his belt and secure a points decision victory.
