Anthony Cacace topples Leigh Wood as both consider their futures
Lewis Watson 
Saturday's fight between Anthony Cacace and Leigh Wood marked something of a career crossroads for the two fighters.
The former was always going to be favourite pre-fight with online bookmakers, and so it proved in the IBO world super-featherweight title fight.
Free Bets boxing expert Lewis Watson has had a look at what the result means for the two fighters.
Saturday night's IBO world super-featherweight title fight was make or break in the careers of both Anthony Cacace and Leigh Wood.
Both 36, it was a case of the winner staying on for a shot at one of the recognised world title straps in the 130-pound division. For the loser? Talks of retirement would fill Sunday's column inches.
And despite being buoyed by a passionate Nottingham crowd, it was Wood who took the loss, getting stopped in the ninth round by a strong, spiteful and in-form Cacace.
Wood's team threw the towel in after their man was kept up by the ropes following a Cacace onslaught, seeing the Irish southpaw move to 24-1 and extend an impressive run of victories against former world challengers.
"I took this fight solely for money," Cacace said honestly following the victory. "The money was doubled. Show me the money, I will travel anywhere. My time is now. I put a lot of pressure on myself. I had nothing but negative feelings coming in here but I've fought three two-time world champions."
Wins over Joe Cordina, Josh Warrington and Leigh Wood in his last three outings have proved his worth as the dominant domestic force at the super-featherweight limit.
Not since 2017 has "Anto" tasted defeat, and world champions such as O'Shaquie Foster, Lamont Roach Jr and Emanuel Navarrete will be top of the list for potential suitors in what could be a magical climax to Cacace's career.
"I don't want to make any excuses, I promised I wouldn't," Wood told his home town following after suffering his fourth career defeat. "It was hard tonight, maybe harder than usual, maybe it was the lay-off, I don't know. He's a really good fighter and hopefully he goes on a good run.
"I don't know, I'm not going to make a decision on the spot [whether or not he will retire following his loss to Cacace]. We'll see. We'll have a talk. I want to thank everyone for coming out tonight, thanks for bringing the noise and sorry to disappoint."
Wood has been candid in his reluctance to take unnecessary punishment in the sport. He has spent a career avoiding head spars unless needed and his hunger for a healthy retirement looks likely to out-weigh any future potential fights.
The Nottingham fighter is now 28-4 as a pro and turns 37 at the start of August. He will be the first to open the dialogue with his team at a potential retirement following Saturday night, despite a dream of fighting at Nottingham Forest's City Ground.
But for the victor, Cacace, opportunities should now come thick and fast. Whether he is happy to travel for these opportunities or have a homecoming fight in Ireland, only time will tell.
But for once in his career, he holds a significant amount of cards in his hand.
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