In a dramatic showdown at Nottingham’s Motorpoint Arena, Belfast's Anthony Cacace successfully defended his IBO super-featherweight title by stopping Leigh Wood in the ninth round. The bout between the two 36-year-olds was intense and closely contested until Cacace seized control with decisive punches that led to Wood’s corner halting the fight. This victory improves Cacace's record to an impressive 24 wins and one loss over 25 professional matches. Meanwhile, another Northern Irish fighter, Kurt Walker, faced his first defeat after being outscored by Liam Davies in their IBF International featherweight title match.

From the outset, both fighters displayed caution but also aggression as they tested each other's defenses. Wood started confidently, aiming jabs to establish dominance, yet Cacace retaliated effectively with powerful right hooks early on. In the second round, a well-placed punch from Cacace made Wood reconsider his approach, though he managed to land a significant blow just before the bell rang. By the third round, Cacace began asserting himself more prominently through his trademark uppercuts and left-handed strikes, driving Wood back occasionally.

The middle rounds were characterized by increasing tension as neither boxer allowed the other to gain substantial momentum. Despite suffering minor setbacks such as a bleeding nose in the eighth round, Cacace remained focused and resilient. As they entered the crucial ninth round, Wood attempted a quick offensive strategy but inadvertently exposed himself. Seizing this opportunity, Cacace unleashed a series of punishing blows culminating in a strong right hand that visibly affected Wood. Referee John Latham intervened briefly for a count before ultimately allowing Cacace to dismantle Wood's resistance further until his corner conceded defeat.

In a separate event, Lisburn's Kurt Walker encountered his first professional setback against England's Liam Davies. Their encounter for the vacant IBF International featherweight title resulted in a split decision favoring Davies based on close scoring margins. Although Walker mounted a commendable effort towards the end, Davies executed better overall strategies during critical moments of the contest.

Anthony Cacace demonstrated remarkable skill and determination in overcoming a formidable opponent like Leigh Wood. His ability to adapt under pressure and execute precise tactics proved pivotal in securing the victory. Meanwhile, despite falling short, Kurt Walker showcased grit and resilience in his challenging bout against Liam Davies, signaling promising prospects for future engagements.