Jazza Dickens will defend his title against Anthony Cacace on March 14.
Jazza Dickens, a boxer who has come a long way, is preparing to defend his world title this weekend. The British pugilist, who turned professional in 2011, managed to be crowned world champion in 2025.
This Saturday, Dickens will defend his WBA junior lightweight belt for the first time against Anthony Cacace of Belfast.
The city of Dublin, the venue for the fight, has a special meaning for Dickens, as he resided there for several years, even living in his van.
A Humble Past in Dublin
Dickens shared his memories of his time in Dublin, recalling his time living in his van near the 3Arena. “I lived there for a few years. I love that place, so it’s exciting to return to Dublin for fight week,” he stated.
“I was there in the van for three years. I came and went, but in total it was three years. Every night was hard, but every morning was beautiful because I could see the people of Dublin, friends I have made for life.”
When asked if he fondly remembers those times, Dickens replied:
Yes, there was another time when I was at the Fifth Street Gym [in Miami] with [Luis Pérez] and Dino Spencer. I was staying in hostels at the time, so it’s really the same thing! I just love the routine. And sometimes, when I have some money, I think to myself: “I miss the old days”.
Jazza Dickens
A Positive Attitude Towards Life
Faced with the question of where his positive attitude comes from, Dickens explained: “A mixture of different things. I think it’s a very complex answer because it’s all those things and more, but there was also a lot of childhood trauma that I had. So it’s a mixture of everything. It’s the best life I would have chosen.”
“I feel blessed every day just for getting up and continuing to live my dreams as a boxer.”
Regarding whether he has stopped to reflect on his long road to the world title, Dickens commented: “There has never been a stage of reflection in my life because I love it so much.”
“I’m still on that journey now, and I think it’s important to have love around me, a good team. I’ve had the same family and friends and [partner] since I started, since the beginning of my professional career. I feel very blessed and fortunate to have them. And to discover who loves you when you lose.”
