Anthony Cacace Vacates IBF Super Featherweight Title; Nuñez, Rikiishi To Compete For Vacant Belt

Anthony Cacace has officially vacated his IBF super featherweight title to pursue bigger fights, citing a desire to secure his family's future and create a legacy in boxing. Cacace, who won the title in May 2024 with a controversial knockout of Joe Cordina, faced pressure to defend against mandatory challenger Eduardo 'Sugar' Nunez but opted instead to face Josh Warrington in a non-title match. His decision follows months of negotiations regarding the Nunez fight, which ultimately did not materialize. With Cacace stepping down, Nunez and Masanori Rikiishi are set to compete for the now-vacant title. Cacace has hinted at a potential matchup with Leigh Wood, which is expected to draw significant interest in the UK. This strategic move by Cacace reflects a broader trend among fighters prioritizing lucrative and high-profile bouts over maintaining titles.