HALIFAX – Halifax boxer Tyson Cave had the fight of his life on Thursday night in Temecula, California, but after a split decision, it was his opponent who was left holding the world title.
Cave, 33, lost to 30-year-old Oscar Escandon from Columbia in his bid to win the World Boxing Association’s (WBA) interim super-bantamweight title.
Announcers working for American sports network ESPN were infuriated by the final decision, with commentator Teddy Atlis calling for national oversight to “investigate crimes like this.”
“It is a corrupt sport. It is a sport that does not do justice for these great athletes it is a shame,” he said on the air.
Many were shocked by the decision, as Cave was the fans’ choice in every round according to ESPN’s online poll.
Cave used good mobility and out-punched Escandon in every round, but the judges scored it differently — Raul Caiz Jr. (117-111) and Tony Krebs (115-113) scored it for Escandon while Max DeLuca (115-113) ruled in favour of Cave.
With a record of 24 wins, one loss and 16 knockouts, Escandon is now the interim champion. Scott Quigg is the WBA’s regular super-bantamweight belt-holder, and is expected to fight Escandon.
Cave, now 23-2 with eight knockouts, had his nine-fight winning streak ended.
Protests over the fight’s results are already being discussed, with promoter Sampson Lewkowicz saying he would help Cave get another opportunity if the WBA does not call for an official rematch.
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