Exclusive: Doubt over first world title defence for Belfast star Anto Cacace as IBF stall on approval of opponent

Photo shows Anthony Cacace celebrating his victory over Joe Cordina
-Credit: (Image: Richard Pelham/Getty Images)


Josh Warrington could miss out on a chance to become a two-weight world champion despite landing a shot at IBF super-featherweight title holder Anto Cacace.

The Leeds Warrior, who has twice reigned as IBF featherweight champ, is stepping up a division to take on the Belfast man this weekend at Wembley. But the IBF have so far refused to ratify Warrington as a challenger because he has not fought in the 9st 4lb division in over a decade and has never been ranked.

The card – which is headlined by Daniel Dubois defending the IBF heavyweight title against Anthony Joshua – is being backed by Saudi-funded Riyadh Season. Those involved are still petitioning the IBF to sanction the bout as a first defence for Belfast ace Cacace, who beat Joe Cordina to claim the title in May. They remain confident the bout – which is also for the lesser-regarded IBO belt – will get IBF approval this week.

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Warrington has not won a fight since 2022, when he beat Kiko Martinez to reclaim the IBF featherweight title.

But the Leeds man lost it in his first defence when he was narrowly outpointed by Luis Alberto Lopez later in the same year.

Warrington returned last year to challenge Leigh Wood for the WBA title at 9st but was stopped in the seventh round when he was up on the cards.

Photo shows Josh Warrington beating Carl Frampton back in 2108
Josh Warrington beat Carl Frampton back in 2108 -Credit:Getty Images

Saul Canelo Alvarez defended his WBA, WBC and WBO super-middleweight crowns with a one-sided points victory against Edgar Berlanga in Las Vegas at the weekend.

Alvarez, 34, handed Berlanga, 27, a first career defeat with cards of 118-109, 118-109 and 117-110.

The Mexican star was criticised for facing Berlanga, with many wanting to see him fight David Benavidez. “They always talk, but I’m the best fighter in the world,” said Álvarez, who was making his eighth super middleweight title defence.

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