Cacace, O'Leary and Carroll crowned world champions
Cacace, O'Leary and Carroll crowned world champions
Dublin’s 3Arena witnessed a historic night for Irish boxing as Anthony Cacace, Pierce O’Leary, and Jono Carroll all secured world championship titles in a sensational "St. Patrick’s Day Spectacular." The event, headlined by a grueling tactical battle between Anthony "The Apache" Cacace and Jazza Dickens, saw the Belfast man become a two-time world champion by claiming the WBA World Super Featherweight title. The night was further bolstered by Pierce O’Leary’s dominant performance to capture the vacant IBO Super Lightweight strap and Jono Carroll’s hard-fought victory for the IBO World Super Featherweight crown. This triple-header of championship wins has firmly re-established Ireland as a dominant force in the global professional boxing landscape.
The featured snippet for this event highlights that Anthony Cacace defeated Jazza Dickens via unanimous decision to win the WBA World Super Featherweight title. On the same card, Pierce O'Leary stopped Maxi Hughes in five rounds for the IBO Super Lightweight title, and Jono Carroll edged out Colm Murphy via split decision to become the IBO World Super Featherweight champion. The event took place on March 14, 2026, in Dublin, Ireland.
Anthony Cacace Reclaims Glory Against Jazza Dickens
In the main event of the evening, Anthony Cacace proved that age is just a number. At 37, the Belfast native faced off against the defending champion Jazza Dickens in what was billed as a high-stakes domestic clash with global implications. The fight began as a cagey, tactical affair, with both men showing immense respect for each other’s power and technical ability. Cacace, known for his reach and stinging jab, looked to control the distance, while Dickens attempted to use his southpaw movement to find openings.
As the rounds progressed, Cacace began to assert his dominance, landing the cleaner, more impactful shots. Despite describing the performance as a "poor night at the office" in his post-fight comments, the judges saw it differently, awarding him a unanimous decision. This victory marks Cacace's second time reaching the summit of the sport, having previously held the IBF title. His winning streak now extends to ten fights, and he immediately set his sights on a unification bout with Mexican superstar Emanuel Navarrete.
Pierce O'Leary's Explosive Homecoming
Pierce O’Leary, the pride of Sheriff Street, finally received the big-stage Dublin homecoming he had long envisioned. Facing the seasoned Maxi Hughes on short notice after Mark Chamberlain withdrew, O’Leary demonstrated why he is nicknamed "Big Bang." However, it wasn't just raw power on display; O’Leary showed significant growth as a "thinking fighter," systematically breaking down a very clever opponent.
The end came in the fifth round. After rocking Hughes with a massive left hook in the fourth, O’Leary didn't let up. He forced Hughes to retire on his stool before the start of the sixth, claiming the vacant IBO Super Lightweight World title. Now sitting at 19-0, O'Leary has positioned himself as a major player in the 140-pound division, ready to take on the biggest names in the weight class.
Jono Carroll Edges Colm Murphy in All-Irish Derby
The night kicked off its major championship run with a thrilling encounter between Jono Carroll and Colm Murphy. The battle for the IBO World Super Featherweight title lived up to the hype, featuring a contrast in styles and generations. Carroll, the high-energy "King Kong," utilized his superior hand speed and veteran experience to frustrate the taller, younger Murphy.
The fight was incredibly close throughout, with Murphy finding success behind a stiff jab and sharp uppercuts. However, Carroll’s aggression and eye-catching flurries in the later rounds seemed to tip the scales. The judges returned a split decision in favor of Carroll, making him the new champion. For Carroll, it was a validation of his long career and a clear signal that he still has plenty left in the tank at the world level.
A Deep Look at the Night's Results
The undercard provided just as much excitement as the title fights. Heavyweight sensation Thomas Carty continued his climb up the rankings with a convincing unanimous decision win over German Skobenko. Carty, who is becoming a massive draw in Dublin, showed improved technical skills alongside his natural power. Meanwhile, Ryan "The Piranha" Garner kept his world title hopes alive with a third-round stoppage of Cristian Bielma, potentially setting up a clash with the winner of the main event later this year.
| Fighter | Result & Title Won |
|---|---|
| Anthony Cacace | UD win vs Jazza Dickens (WBA Super Featherweight) |
| Pierce O'Leary | TKO5 win vs Maxi Hughes (IBO Super Lightweight) |
| Jono Carroll | SD win vs Colm Murphy (IBO Super Featherweight) |
| Thomas Carty | UD win vs German Skobenko (Heavyweight) |
The Rise of Adam Olaniyan: A New Star is Born
One of the most talked-about moments of the night was the professional debut of Adam Olaniyan. The 20-year-old heavyweight, a former World Youth Champion and double European gold medalist, bypassed the Olympics to enter the pro ranks, and he did so with a bang. Olaniyan required less than a minute to dispatch Jan Bezouska, scoring a knockout in just 59 seconds. His size, speed, and amateur pedigree suggest that Ireland may have found its next great heavyweight hope.
St. Patrick’s Day Spectacular: Impact on Irish Boxing
This event, organized by Queensberry Promotions, represents a peak moment for Irish boxing. Hosting three world title fights on a single night in Dublin is a rare feat and speaks to the depth of talent currently emerging from the island. The atmosphere at the 3Arena was electric, proving that the demand for high-level professional boxing in Ireland remains incredibly high. With champions like Cacace, O'Leary, and Carroll leading the way, the next few years look exceptionally bright for the sport locally.
The Road Ahead: Unifications and Title Defenses
Following their victories, the path forward for the three new champions is already taking shape. Anthony Cacace is targeting a unification fight with Emanuel Navarrete, a move that would define his legacy as one of Ireland's greatest. Pierce O'Leary is now a hunted man in the deep junior welterweight division, with potential matchups against the likes of Richardson Hitchins or the winner of other major 140lb bouts. Jono Carroll, now holding the IBO belt, will likely look for a major domestic defense or a jump back into the mix for the other major organization belts.
Analysis: How the Championships Were Won
The success of the night can be attributed to a mix of veteran savvy and youthful exuberance. Cacace and Carroll both relied on their years of experience at the highest level to navigate through difficult moments in their respective fights. In contrast, O'Leary showed the clinical execution of a fighter reaching his physical and mental prime. The tactical adjustments made by the Irish corners throughout the night were pivotal, particularly in O'Leary's ability to handle a late-notice change in opponent style.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who did Anthony Cacace defeat to become world champion?
Which title did Pierce O'Leary win in Dublin?
What was the result of the Jono Carroll vs Colm Murphy fight?
Where did the Cacace vs Dickens fight take place?
How many world champions did Ireland crown on this night?
Conclusion
The "St. Patrick’s Day Spectacular" will be remembered as one of the most successful nights in the history of Irish professional boxing. By crowning three world champions in Anthony Cacace, Pierce O’Leary, and Jono Carroll, the event provided a definitive statement of intent. These victories not only bring prestige and gold back to Ireland but also set the stage for even bigger nights ahead. As Cacace looks toward unification, O'Leary toward the elites of the 140lb division, and Carroll toward defending his new crown, the momentum in Irish boxing has never been stronger. Fans can look forward to a 2026 filled with massive title defenses and the potential for even more Irish glory on the world stage.
Cacace, O'Leary and Carroll crowned world champions
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