Tyson Cave SHOCKS Canadian Boxing Fans – Breaking News
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WBA #5 ranked Tyson Cave (24-2, 8 KOs) of Novia Scotia, Canada will meet WBA #2 ranked Oscar Escandon (23-1, 16 KOs) of Colombia on December 11. The bout is a WBA eliminator scheduled for 12 rounds and for the WBA interim 122 pound title and will be on an ESPN2 special Thursday Edition fightcard at the Pechanga Resort & Casino, in Temecula, California.
The most recent known name in boxing out of Nova Scotia was former Olympian and world title challenger Kirk Johnson, a cousin of Cave. Personality wise they are two very much different people. Johnson is more quite and reserved where Cave is more brash and vocal. Some in boxing had pretty much written Cave off after his loss to former world title challenger AJ Banal in the Philippines in 2011. A major turning point in his career came when he teamed up with young fast rising manager and Toronto Business mogul Lee Baxter. It was Baxter who secured his bout with former world ranked and fellow Canadian Sebastian Gauthier this past April. Cave went on to unanimously decision Gauthier and win the NABA Super Bantamweight title landing him in his current position. Cave also stated that he has signed on with Sampson Lewkowicz and Al Haymon.
Speaking with Cave, one immediately sees that he’s not at a lack for words or confidence. He has backed this up in the ring and is currently riding a nine fight win streak and is on the heels of his elusive world title fight.
In 2011 you went to the Philippines and fought local AJ Banal losing a decision. Some wrote you off after that fight. How have you been able to turn it around since then?
First of all. I would advise those who haven’t seen the fight to watch it on youtube. I totally outclassed Banal. What I learned from that fight is how difficult it is to win in someone else’s backyard. I exposed AJ Banal that night and he has not done anything signficant since our fight. Looking back at it now I should never have taken the fight in the first place. The former European Champion Scott Casey who stopped me in my 11th pro fight is my only professional loss in my eyes. I have gotten so much better since both of those fights. My manager Lee got me back on track after the Banal fight. He landed me the Gauthier fight in Toronto. Which was huge for me. Now I’m so close to fulfilling my dream.
You’re 32 years old. A fighter in your weight class in his thirties more often than not is on the downslide of their career. How have you been able to beat those odds?
Yes I’m 32 but I have not taking any punishment throughout my career. I’m actually fresher than a lot of fighters who are younger than me.
What do you know about your opponent Escandon?
He’s a straight forward fighter. Strong puncher. He’s exactly the kind of opponent I want to fight. I respect him for sure as he is number 2 in the world. However, I will fight him intelligently. I won’t be there letting him unload heavy punches on me like he has done some of his past opponents. This will be my first time fighting in the U.S. Styles make fights as they say. My style of fighting meshes well with punchers. This is an excellent styles matchup for the U.S. fans seeing me fight for the first time.
What did you learn from your cousin Kirk Johnson when he was at the height of his career?
My cousin and I are very different in terms of our personalites. Kirk is a quiet type of guy where I am very loud to say the least. (laughing) He put Nova Scotia on the map during his run at heavyweight. He got to the big dance. I will do the same and win the big prize.
There were rumors of a possible fight between you and WBA world champion Scott Quigg. Was it true? If so, Why didn’t the fight happen?
It’s true I was offered the fight. I still have the contract to this day. About 6 months ago I was offered the fight. I personally believe they didnt know who I was prior to sending me the contract and when they found out, the fight didn’t happen and I think that speaks for itself.
By winning the interim title and an eliminator you could force Quigg to fight you. Is that your plan?
That’s why I signed with Sampson Lewkowicz and Al Haymon as well. I wanted to get into a position where I could become a mandatory. Once I earn that fight with my next win we will get Quigg and fight him outside of the UK for sure. Now it’s up to me to go out there and handle the job December 11th. Which I will.