Irish boxer Anthony Cacace was congratulated by sporting superstar Cristiano Ronaldo on Saturday following his historic victory in Saudi Arabia.
'The Andytown Apache' became the first Irishman to become the men's super featherweight world champion with a sensational stoppage victory over Joe Cordina.
The Belfast boxer knocked Cordina down in the third round and stopped the Welshman in the eighth to add Cordina's IBF belt to his IBO title.
It was a proud moment for the 35-year-old at the Kingdom Arena, which ended with Cacace being congratulated by none other than Cristiano Ronaldo.
Al Nasr's captain was at boxing ringside and the football icon was more than happy to pose for photos with Kakase and his team.
Coach Michael Hawkins Jr. posted a photo on Facebook and wrote: “Cristiano Ronaldo at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh last night after Ant unified the super-featherweight division and became Ireland's first super-featherweight world champion. I congratulated Anthony Cacace and the team.”
It was a great night for the Belfast boxer and he told Sky Sports afterwards that Saudi Arabia was the right place.
“I always want to fight in Saudi Arabia. I always want to fight here. This is the place,” he said.
“The kid from Andytown came all the way to Saudi Arabia and beat the champion. Joe is a hell of a competitor. He's an Olympian and a two-time world champion. He deserves it. I have a lot of respect for him, but tonight it hurt.''But I have nothing but respect for him and I want to get that back.
“I came here with confidence, along with Mickey Hawkins, Barry O'Neill, Michael Hawkins Jr., Andy O'Neill and Ian Mahood. We all got the job done. Irish first world champion. Super Featherweight Champion! I'm proud of this!'' History tonight. ”
Visit our homepage for the latest local news and features on Irish America. here.
