CEBU, Philippines – Canadian Tyson Cave yesterday expressed confidence of a victory over world rated AJ “Bazooka” Banal in their 12-round bantamweight bout tomorrow at the Hoops Dome in Lapu Lapu City here.
“I’m better than Concepcion,” said Cave (15-1, 5 KOs) during the official press conference of “Pinoy Pride 7: Battle of Mactan:” yesterday at the Plantation Bay Resort and Spa.
He was referring to Panama’s Rafael Concepcion, the first and only fighter to deal Banal’s lone career setback.
“After I beat you, you can fight Concepcion. And if you beat him, I’ll fight you again,” Cave said.
Banal, 22, lost via a 10th round knockout to Concepcion, a former world title challenger, during their 2008 showdown before a shocked partisan crowd at the Cebu Coliseum.
He has since rebounded from that stunning setback, winning his last seven fights before accepting to meet Cave in the boxing card organized by ALA Promotions and network giant ABS-CBN and presented by the City Government of Lapu Lapu, Plantation Bay Resort and Spa, SM City Cebu, Cobra Tunay na Lakas Energy Drink, Ayala Active Zone, Gaisano Island Mall Mactan, Parkmall, Abaca Boutique Resort and Restaurant, Diamond Suites and Residences.