Tyson Cave certain he will beat AJ Banal on Saturday

CEBU—Canadian Tyson Cave is certain he’ll beat the hell out of world rated AJ `Bazooka’ Banal in their 12-round bantamweight bout on Saturday at the Hoops Dome in Lapu Lapu City here.

Reason: Cave claims he’s a better fighter than Panamanian Rafael Concepcion, the first and only fighter to have inflicted Banal’s lone career loss.

Photo by ALA Boxing Promotions

“I’m better than Concepcion,” Cave (15-1, 5 KOs) boasted during the official press conference of `Pinoy Pride 7: Battle of Mactan:’ Thursday at the Plantation Bay Resort and Spa.

“After I beat you (Banal), you can fight Concepcion. And if you beat him, I’ll fight you again.”

Banal lost via a 10th round knockout to Concepcion, a former world title challenger, during their 2008 showdown at the Cebu Coliseum.

He has since rebounded from that shocking loss, winning his last seven fights before accepting to meet Cave in the boxing card organized by the country’s premier boxing outfit Ala Promotions and network giant ABS-CBN.

Pinoy Pride 7 is being 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.

“I’m not bothered by his trash talking,” said Banal in Filipino. “I know I’ll hit him.”