Sports · Combat sports · published 2026-10-09 · via BBC Sport

Cacace focuses on Ball title defence amid Lomachenko talk

Anthony Cacace will defend his WBA super-featherweight title against Nick Ball in Belfast on 19 December. Cacace said he is not letting speculation about a future fight with Vasiliy Lomachenko distract him. The winner of the bout is expected to face Elnur Samedov next.

Expanded Detail

Cacace, 37, puts his WBA super-featherweight belt on the line for the first time against Ball, a former WBA featherweight titleholder from Liverpool. Their bout is set for Belfast on 19 December, with the WBA stating the victor must next meet Russia’s Elnur Samedov.

Talk of a Lomachenko clash has followed Cacace, who once publicly called out Lomachenko in 2012. Ball steps up a division after a February stoppage loss to Brandon Figueroa, while Cacace has won world honours and beaten Josh Warrington and Leigh Wood.

Context

The bout may boost Belfast’s profile as a host city for major combat sports events and could draw visitors, benefiting local hospitality and boxing fans. For Cacace, a home title defence could strengthen his legacy and bargaining power; for Ball, a win may revive his career at a new weight. The outcome could shape future matchmaking, including a possible Lomachenko fight or a mandatory against Samedov.

Expanded detail and Context are AI-generated analysis; the linked article remains the authoritative source.

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This summary is Al-enhanced to contain extended analysis and broader social context. The original is {NAME); the linked article is the authoritative source. Original headline: “Cacace's eyes on Ball despite Lomachenko interest.” Browse more stories.