St. Patrick's weekend fight feast and new welterweight faces: Five things to watch out for this week

This weekend sees two fight cards take place on either side of the Atlantic, and both will be broadcast live on DAZN. 

Big time boxing returns to Dublin, on St. Patrick's Day weekend no less, with the WBA super featherweight champion Jazza Dickens defending his belt against Anthony Cacace. 

This world title bout is supported by an undercard full of exciting Irish talent. 

In the US, Arnold Barboza and Kenneth Sims Jr. are set to make their welterweight debuts in the hope of forcing themselves into a crowded division.

Here, DAZN News signposts the key storylines heading into the boxing week ahead. 

Dickens and Cacace meet in Dublin dust-up

Dickens and Cacace are set to do battle in front of a party atompshere at Dublin's 3Arena.

Dickens will be defending his WBA super featherweight title for the first time, and he will be wanting to make a statement. 

Cacace is an all-action fighter, so Dickens will have to be smart, and not be drawn into a firefight. 

This is a main event between two likeable characters who have an immense passion for the sweet science, which are the perfect ingredients for a world title main event. 

Maxi Hughes ready to derail Pierce O'Leary's rise

There has been a late change to proceedings in Dublin with Piece O'Leary now set to face Maxi Hughes. 

Mark Chamberlain, O'Leary's original opponent, withdrew due to an infection, and it will be Hughes looking to spoil the St. Patrick's party.

O'Leary, who is unbeaten in his 18 pro bouts, is destined for big things, but Hughes is no stranger to this setting and atmosphere. 

After enjoying a reign as IBO lightweight champion, and a seasoned road warrior, Hughes will love nothing more than a St. Patrick's themed smash and grab. 

An exciting heavyweight debut 

On the undercard of Dickens-Cacace, an exciting heavyweight will make his professional debut. 

At 20-years-old, Adam Olaniyan, a world youth champion in 2024, will be trained by Paul Stevenson at his Everton Red Triangle gym in Liverpool.

It's set to be a long road, but Olaniyan is ready to begin and fulfil his life dream of becoming the undisputed champion at heavyweight. 

Barboza and Sims Jr. prepare for welterweight debuts

In the US, the focus will be on Anaheim's Honda Center where Arnold Barboza and Kenneth Sims Jr. clash in the headline bout of a Golden Boy event. 

For both men, this contest marks their respective debuts at welterweight, one of the sport's glamour divisions. 

Barboza Jr., a super lightweight world title challenger last year, has built a new team since his loss to Teofimo Lopez, and is relishing the fresh start, while Sims Jr. knows this bout could be do-or-die for his career and pursuit of the biggest fights. 

Undisputed champion Gabriela Fundora in action 

On the undercard of Barboza-Sims Jr., undisputed women's flyweight champion Gabriela Fundora, is in action. 

She will be making the latest defence of her title against Viviana Ruiz Corredor.

Fundora, unbeaten in 17 professional fights, will be a huge favourite to overcome the Australia-based Valenzuelan, and speaking ahead of the opening bell, Fundora has vowed to produce a "great performance". 

Dickens vs. Cacace only on DAZN

Watch Jazza Dickens versus Anthony Cacace only on DAZN subscription. Choose between a standard subscription or DAZN Ultimate Tier, which includes PPV fight nights.

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