NOTTINGHAM, England — Simon Legg is a man of few words and joked that, if anyone had any press conference questions for him, they should direct them to an in-form veteran who just dismissed his third consecutive two-time world titleholder in Leigh Wood.

Anthony Cacace (24-1, 9 KOs) is on a three-fight streak no one could've imagined for him just two years ago and the 36-year-old's manager was keen to stress he's relatively fresh given the limited opportunities at this level.

Oddsmakers installed the Irishman as a plus-400 underdog before he overwhelmed then-unbeaten Joe Cordina to win the IBF title in Riyadh a year ago, a stunning result foreshadowed by longtime friend and former world champion Carl Frampton praising his underrated power and work ethic during the fight week build-up.

Legg echoes that sentiment, having seen Cacace up close and personal over the past few years, with a series of cancelled fights and setbacks behind the scenes not stopping him in pursuit of career-high paydays and world championship success.

"I don't think people really understand what a great fighter he was beforehand. [He] didn't get the opportunities he deserved. Really wish I got him a few years ago and we could've maybe started a little early, but nice things happen to nice people. He's one of the best," Legg told The Ring.

When asked about the possibility of a matchup against WBC titleholder O'Shaquie Foster (23-3, 12 KOs), given the American is mooted to face 126-pound champion Stephen Fulton next, he remained optimistic.

"That would be lovely. Let's hope we can deliver that in Belfast, when we look at the people that have come over to Nottingham, we're talking Leigh Wood doing £350,000 worth of tickets, Anto did £50k. Those people have to pay for flights, hotels as well. We're eternally grateful to them all and hopefully when we come back to Belfast, we'll have a great crowd."

"We will," Cacace interjects.

"That's another thing I didn't mention, unbelievable home support. They were shouting my name throughout the fight and that was another great feeling. It's usually the same three in the crowd, now it's loads so I'm buzzing."

The title landscape at 130 pounds remains unclear, with Eduardo Nunez's promoter Eddie Hearn already planning ahead should his man prevail May 28 against Masanori Rikiishi (16-1, 11 KOs).

WBA champion Lamont Roach Jr (25-1-2, 10 KOs) won't be returning to junior lightweight anytime soon, as he readies himself for an unexpected Gervonta Davis rematch this summer, while WBO titleholder Emanuel Navarrete (40-2-1, 32 KOs) survived a tough weight cut and gruelling title defence against Charly Suarez this past weekend.

Houston-based champion Foster, who has boxed in Costa Rica, Dubai and Mexico since 2019, clearly isn't afraid of an away day with the illustrious green and gold strap.

His dramatic, 12-round turnaround stoppage win over Eduardo "Rocky" Hernandez came in the challenger's home country two years ago, and Top Rank are willing to let their fighters box abroad if they're well-paid — as WBO welterweight champion duo Mikaela Mayer and Brian Norman Jr's impending Japan trip illustrate.

When asked for an early preview on how the fight looks, Legg said: "Foster is a great champion, but people need to start putting some respect on Anthony's name. The man deserves every bit of respect and will give O'Shaquie one hell of a fight. He won't fancy it. That's the plan and what we'd like to do, back in Belfast and hope end of the year."

Later into the early hours, Cacace said a Las Vegas trip would be of interest having only boxed once stateside, 12 years earlier on a small-hall show in Philadelphia. Provided, of course, the money was right.

When asked about the role Legg has had in his career, Cacace said: "From when I met Simon and the team, it's just got a wee bit easier for me. He's changed my life in a lot of positive ways. I really appreciate him and my wife. It's nice to have genuine people around you. In a sport full of snakes, I have good people by my side."