Tony Soto and Tyler Goodjohn clash in the BKFC 42 main event in Greenville, SC on May 12th.
The pugilistic proceedings broadcast on Fite TV as well as the Bare Knuckle TV app, and the fistic fireworks kick off at 8 PM EST.
This is the sophomore bout of the calendar year for ‘Loco’ who looks to ride his undefeated bare-knuckle boxing run toward championship glory someday.
Tony Soto spoke to Dylan Bowker of Bare Knuckle News before this bout. Excerpts from the chat are below.
Tony Soto
This Tyler Goodjohn fight seemed like one you always saw coming to fruition. Why did you have that perception?
“Well, you know, after my second bare-knuckle fight, I actually wanted to fight Tyler. I thought it would be really good for the fans and I thought it would be a true test to my abilities – help me grow as a fighter as well. But yeah, I asked for this fight a long time ago. I figured if it didn’t happen back then, it was eventually going to happen. I was looking more forward actually to fighting Tom Shoaff, because before even my very first fight, I ran into him in Alabama.”
“…Shook his hand and I said, ‘One day, me and you are gonna fight.’ And, I said it right to his face. I was a little let down after my last bout, where I was told me and him were supposed to knuckle up and it didn’t happen. But, just like the fight, you roll with the punches. You go and get what you got, and I got Tyler. So, I got something out of it.”
Tony Soto vs. Tyler Goodjohn
It seems like you’re looking at this fight as a chance to vault yourself in the lightweight title contender hierarchy. You’re facing a former divisional title contender here, and he regularly trains with current lightweight champ, Luis Palomino. Are you thinking about some of those meritocracy and narrative-minded elements for this fight possibly facilitating a title shot afterward?
“You know, I feel like it would only make sense. When I do become 5-0, you’ve got to think about it organically. I would be, besides Palomino, the only other 155er who started in the organization who’s still undefeated at that level. I feel like it would only be fair for them to give me the title shot, to give me Palomino. If not Palomino, me versus (James) Lilley for the title right there. If he’s not going to defend his 155 (title) and defend his 165, I think that would make the most sense if you ask me.”
“I also think I’m one of the only guys who actually came from tryouts and has been headlining a BKFC card. That’s an eye-opener in itself, you know (laughs).”
BKFC 42
You seem a little nonplussed about your unbeaten bare-knuckle boxing run and are more oriented to continuing to grow further. Do you ultimately look at yourself as the main opponent in a sense?
“Yeah, that’s actually a really good way to put it. I think I am and will always be my own critic. I’m the worst. Like, I look at myself and I find ways to beat myself. Then, when I go and train, I look at those holes that I was doing. I fix them and try to patch those holes. So, it’s to the point where I’m searching for perfection.”
“Nothing in this world is perfect, but if you can sure as hell try your best to be perfect, damn, man. I want to get at least damn near as close as I can. I feel like by me being my biggest, I’m just the hardest person on myself (laughs). And, I feel like that’s going to cause me to just level up every time – get better and better. I feel like if I continue to do that, then I’ll reach a level that’s just beyond belief.”
BKFC
Parting thoughts for Tony Soto
“Yeah, you know, I think it’s a true blessing just to even be on this stage and fighting – just doing what I love; like, I love doing this. It’s fun and I enjoy it. That’s what separates me from a lot of these fighters. I think these guys got into fighting. I was born into this s**t. I was legit born into this. Didn’t choose it, it chose me. That’s why I genuinely enjoy it because I don’t have to be getting paid for this. I could fight that dude on the street like we could fight in a parking lot. I don’t care.”
“Man, I really do truly appreciate everybody who has supported my journey, who has hated on my journey; because, even though those people who are hating, they are still tuning in to watch. So, by you watching, you’re still giving me views (laughs). So yeah, regardless, man, I’m just so appreciative, man. I’m just so appreciative, and I appreciate everyone who has followed me journey and who supports me. That’s pretty much it, brother.”
