(October 8th) Queensberry Promotions officially kicked off the build-up to one of the most anticipated domestic world title clashes of the year as WBA Super-Featherweight World Champion Anthony "The Apache" Cacace and mandatory challenger Nick "The Wrecking" Ball came face-to-face in Belfast ahead of their December 19 showdown at The SSE Arena, live on DAZN.

The launch press conference was marked by mutual respect between the two world-class fighters, although the magnitude of the challenge ahead was unmistakable. Cacace will defend his world title on home soil, while Liverpool’s Ball aims to become a two-weight world champion following his first career defeat earlier this year.

“This is one of the best fights that can be made, certainly in British boxing,” said promoter Frank Warren. “You just know what you are going to get, and that is a classic confrontation between two great fighters.

“This fight is about as 50-50 as you are going to get in this sport, and the Belfast crowd are in for a treat.”

Cacace (25-1, 9 Ko's) will make the first defence of his WBA super-featherweight world title in his home city, looking to build on a career that has established him among Britain and Ireland’s leading fighters. The former British champion captured the IBO world title by defeating Michael Magnesi in September 2024 before successfully defending it against Damian Wrzesinski the following May.

He subsequently claimed the IBF title in Riyadh, overwhelming reigning champion Joe Cordina to secure an eighth-round stoppage. Four months later, at Wembley Stadium, Cacace outpointed former world champion Josh Warrington with his IBO title also at stake. He added another significant victory in May 2025, stopping former world champion Leigh Wood in the ninth round in Nottingham.

Most recently, Cacace secured his WBA world title with a unanimous decision victory over Jazza Dickens in Dublin in March 2026, adding another major achievement to an impressive résumé. Now, with the advantage of fighting in front of his home supporters, he faces a dangerous opponent determined to make history at a new weight.

“Nick’s a great fighter, an ex-world champion, he’s beaten them all. I expect a good scrap. He’s a hard man. Let’s do it,” said Cacace. “With me, I don’t mind where I am fighting, whether it is in England, Scotland, Wales or Belfast—it doesn’t matter. It is obviously a big bonus fighting here at home.”

The champion also made his intentions clear regarding the physical contest he expects to unfold. “I plan to catch him at length. I’m going to be the bigger, stronger man in there.”

Ball (23-1-1, 13Ko's) meanwhile, arrives in Belfast with a point to prove and a second world championship opportunity in a different division firmly in his sights. The Liverpool fighter established himself as a leading contender in November 2023, overwhelming former world champion Isaac Dogboe in a final eliminator for a shot at the WBC featherweight title.

His first opportunity came in Riyadh in March 2024 against champion Rey Vargas. After a difficult opening, Ball took control, flooring the taller Mexican twice in the second half of the contest, only for the judges to return a controversial draw. He received another title opportunity less than three months later against Raymond Ford and this time secured the victory, claiming the WBA featherweight world championship.

Ball made a successful first defence against former world title challenger Ronny Rios in Liverpool in October 2024, stopping him in the 10th round. He followed that with another 10th-round stoppage, overcoming former world champion TJ Doheny in March 2025. Later that year, he returned to Riyadh and defeated Sam Goodman over 12 rounds to register a third successful defence.

His reign came to an end in February 2026 when American Brandon Figueroa landed the decisive blows in the final round of their mandatory title clash in Liverpool. Now Ball has the opportunity to return to the world championship ranks, this time by moving up in weight and challenging Cacace on the champion’s home turf.

“I don’t really care about the venue or who is in front of me; I just want to do what I know I can do. If I do that, I get the win,” said Ball. “Moving up or fighting away from home doesn’t bother me—I come to fight.”

The December 19 contest brings together Belfast and Liverpool in a compelling domestic showdown between two proven world-level operators, each with a different objective but the same ambition: to emerge as world champion. Cacace will look to defend his crown in front of his home fans, while Ball seeks to become a two-weight world champion and re-establish himself at the top of the sport.

With both fighters bringing proven championship credentials, contrasting styles and a willingness to meet the challenge head-on, the stage is set for a high-stakes encounter at The SSE Arena in Belfast, live on DAZN on Saturday, December 19th.

Tickets for Anthony "The Apache" Cacace vs Nick "The Wrecking" Ball go an sale 11am, Wenesday October 14th just (click here).

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Queensberry, time and time again, delivers a debut to a champion journey for richly talented young fighters and provides an unrivalled platform for them to showcase their ability to the widest possible audience via a major broadcast collaboration and an exceptional digital portfolio.

Fight promotions are regularly staged, servicing the requirements of novice prospects, contenders, title challengers and champions. Boxers are given every opportunity to build a following and maximize their potential.

The wall facing the entrance to the Queensberry headquarters bears the words ‘This is where the magic happens’ because, for decades, it has been the location where the biggest fights have been hatched and matched, where the biggest shows have been plotted and where the best fighters arrive to sign promotional terms for Frank Warren to guide their careers.

It is always about the fighters - with the key being development - but also about the sport, the business of boxing and conjuring up magical nights for the fans and making the fights they want to see.

The experience of Queensberry and the tried and trusted model for creating champions is unparalleled in the sport of boxing. The expertise of International Hall of Fame Promoter Frank Warren has been employed for some 45 years in the professional ranks building some of the biggest stars and navigating them to world champion status.

Frank specializes in taking young fighters right from debut and implementing his knowhow to pick the right fights at the right time and therefore ensuring the boxer is given every opportunity to maximize his or her potential.

Queensberry is currently in the position of being the world’s premier promotional organization, having spent many years building talent and putting in the foundations to ensure prolonged success. The company currently boasts a number of world champions, multiple world title contenders, numerous title-holders and the finest crop of young future stars anywhere in the world.

Queensberry fighters have been given the opportunity to shine on the major global stage both at home and abroad, under the Queensberry banner.

About Frank Warren

In an era spanning over 35 years, Hall of Fame boxing Promoter and Manager Frank Warren has worked with some of the biggest fighters in boxing history. Hamed, Bruno, Tyson, Calzaghe, Benn, Collins, Eubank, Khan and Hatton are some of the iconic names he has promoted during his career.