The atmosphere alone inside the 3Arena on Saturday night will have Frank Warren and Queensberry Promotions already planning their next visit over to Dublin — passionate fans, meaningful fights across the bill, and a mixture of established professionals and hungry newcomers trying to make their mark. It was arguably one of the most exciting nights in Irish boxing history.
By the time the final bell rang, Anthony Cacace had reclaimed world honours in the main event, Pierce O’Leary announced himself as the star of Irish boxing and rising Irish prospects — particularly debutants Bobbi Flood and Adam Olaniyan — gave the Dublin crowd plenty to get excited about.
Cacace’s Experience Proves the Difference
In the official main event, Belfast’s Anthony Cacace met Liverpool’s Jazza Dickens in a fight that was always likely to be a nip and tuck affair. That’s exactly how it played out.
Dickens started sharply, darting in and out from his southpaw stance and forcing Cacace to think early. The Liverpool fighter’s movement and work rate created awkward moments in the opening rounds but Cacace remained composed and seemed to be in control.
Gradually, the Belfast man began to impose himself more and more — timing Dickens as he stepped in and landing the cleaner, heavier punches. By the middle rounds, the tide had clearly shifted.
A particularly strong fifth round saw Cacace land a series of crisp shots that momentarily shook Dickens and swung momentum decisively.
Dickens continued to press and had a particularly good 10th round, but Cacace’s discipline, distance management and sharper work ensured he stayed ahead on the scorecards.
After twelve competitive rounds, Cacace was awarded a unanimous decision victory, securing world honours once again and delivering a huge moment for Irish boxing. A rematch would sell in either Liverpool or Belfast. But for Cacace he will go where the most money is on offer and that could mean a trip stateside for a unification.
Pierce O’Leary lifts a City
Dublin’s own Pierce O’Leary produced a dominant performance, defeating former IBO Lightweight champion Maxi Hughes in impressive fashion.
O’Leary controlled the fight from the outset with speed, power and relentless pressure, gradually breaking down the experienced Hughes with sharp combinations, especially the left hook.
After five rounds, Hughes’ corner made the decision to pull their fighter out, handing O’Leary a significant victory and the IBO title. For Hughes, the right decision was made, he took the fight at late notice and was getting out gunned.
The performance confirmed what many observers already believed — that O’Leary is rapidly becoming one of the most exciting young fighters in world boxing.
Carroll and Murphy Deliver the Fight of the Night
If the main event was a chess match, the clash between Jono Carroll and Colm Murphy was anything but.
The two Irish fighters produced one of the most entertaining contests of the evening, engaging in a high-tempo, back-and-forth battle that had the crowd roaring throughout.
Carroll, vastly experienced and always charismatic inside and outside the ring, tried to dictate the pace with his movement and combinations. Murphy, however, showed no interest in playing the role of opponent. Instead, he met Carroll head-on.
The result was an intense, scrappy and entertaining fight full of exchanges, momentum swings and had bother fighters having to dig deep.
Both fighters had their successes, but Carroll’s experience and accuracy ultimately proved decisive as he edged the contest on the scorecards after a gruelling fight that could easily have headlined its own show. Carroll has the personality to sell any fight and now as IBO champion, he will have plenty of options. Murphy may have fell just short on the night, but the Belfast man established himself as a name to watch for the future.
Debutants make their mark
Two of the night’s most intriguing performances came from debutants.
Former amateur standout Bobbi Flood looked calm and composed in his first professional bout. Displaying sharp footwork, power and disciplined jab, Flood controlled the pace and distance with the assurance of a far more experienced fighter. He easily dispatched Istvan Orban in a round, which included a devastating knockdown in the first 15 seconds.
Heavyweight prospect Adam Olaniyan wasnt to be outshone by his former amateur team-mate— Jan Bazouska from Czechia came out to give it a go but Olaniyan’s speed, timing and power made sure he wouldn’t see the end of the first round, the referee waving it off after 2 knockdowns. Tougher fights await, but neither could of dreamed of a better start to their pro career’s.
Rest of the card
The card had so many fights that could of headlined other shows in Ireland. Cork’s Stephen Cairns put on a boxing clinic in stopping Arnie Dawson. He looked punch perfect and will be a threat for anyone at lightweight. Drimnagh heavyweight Thomas Carty returned to winning ways as did Naas lightweight Gary Cully. Eoghan Lavin stopped Liam Walsh for the Celtic title in another back and forth fight. There were wins also for Barry McReynolds, Eugene McKeever and Davey Joyce.
Irish Boxing’s Next Chapter
The Dublin card turned out to be so good I think it even surprised Frank Warren.
There was the proven world-level quality of Cacace at the top of the bill. There was the rising star power of O’Leary. And then there were the first steps of promising newcomers Flood and Olaniyan.
Add in the all-Irish war between Carroll and Murphy and the result was a fight night to remember.
If the goal was to showcase the health and depth of Irish boxing, the show succeeded.
While Cacace may have taken the headlines, the feeling inside the arena was that the next wave of Irish fighters had also begun to announce itself.
IRISH BOXING DIGEST 
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