The Next Filipino Star? Meet This Undefeated Prospect
When it comes to blockbuster names in boxing, the Philippines is going through El Niño right now.
For years, the country has been thirsting for star power in this historically beloved sport. Not since the heyday of Manny Pacquiao and Nonito Donaire has there been a boxer with crossover appeal, satisfying the taste of hardcore fight fans while also capturing the fancy of the general public.
But the month of June has arrived, and you know what that means: The rain is set to pour. In the arid landscape of Pinoy boxing, Kenneth Llover is a refreshing force of nature.
This Saturday, Llover steps into the ring for an IBF bantamweight eliminator against Michael Angeletti. At stake: the right to be named mandatory challenger for the bantamweight crown held by Mexican knockout artist Jose Salas Reyes.
By defeating Angeletti, the proud child of General Trias, Cavite moves one step closer to giving Filipinos their next boxing star. There’s something irresistible about an up-and-coming athlete on the hunt for glory, and if Llover secures his spot as Reyes’ next challenger, his legion of supporters could swell like a storm surge.
Let’s get to know our kababayan before he throws hands against his American foe this weekend. Here are five things to know about Llover and his quest for greatness.
He’s Undefeated in 17 Fights
Success begets support, and in this regard, Llover isn’t hard to love. He holds a flawless 17-0 record, with 12 of his wins coming by way of knockout.
Llover, in fact, has stopped his last five opponents; four of these five foes didn’t even get to see Round 5. In Llover’s most recent outing, he wore down China’s Ayati Sailike to claim a second-round victory in their regional bantamweight title bout.
What makes his next fight more intriguing is the fact that his opponent is undefeated as well. Angeletti, who began his pro career in December 2020, has not lost in 14 fights, though it’s worth noting that five of his last six bouts went to the scorecards. Llover’s killer instinct could put the New Orleans native in a world of trouble before he knows it.
He Has an Iconic Mentor
Llover is a southpaw fighter with a penchant for finishing his opponents. If that sounds familiar, it’s because he resembles the all-time boxing great that coaches him.
Llover’s mentor is none other than Gerry Peñalosa, a former bantamweight and super-flyweight champion who finished his career with a 57-8-2 record. Even before he retired in 2010, the “Fearless” one was already testing out his exit plan as a promoter.
Today, Peñalosa guides the next generation of Pinoy fighters as the head honcho of Gerrypens Promotions. When his protege Llover held a media workout on May 7, Peñalosa expressed his confidence that the 23-year-old would thrive in his next fight. “He has all the tools…He is brave, dedicated, and has a mindset determined to be a champion. He relishes challenges,” the boxing icon told reporters.
He’s Making Serious Noise in the Rankings
It’s not just Peñalosa who thinks highly of Llover. Thanks to his stellar performances in the past year and his unblemished record, Llover has been climbing up the rankings of multiple sanctioning bodies.
As of last month, he’s no. 3 with the IBF, no. 4 with the WBC, no. 9 with The Ring Magazine, and no. 13 with the WBO. Defeating Angeletti on Saturday can propel Llover further up the rankings and solidify his case as a title contender.
The IBF, in fact, has not named fighters who are worthy of the No. 1 and No. 2 positions in their latest bantamweight ranking. Llover has a chance to step into that top spot when all is said and done this weekend.
Even Before June 6, He and Angeletti Were Fighting
No, Llover did not invite his opponent to a friendly sparring session. According to the Daily Tribune, Angeletti’s camp wanted the Caviteño to use gloves from the brand Rival, which just so happens to be Angeletti’s preference.
Llover and his promoter didn’t budge. “We have our own glove brand…Cleto Reyes,” Peñalosa told the Tribune.
It’s odd, of course, that Angeletti’s team tried to get Llover to bend to their will and modify his choice of boxing gloves. Is it because some sites and oddsmakers (including Tapology.com) have Llover as the favorite in this fight?
A Feel-Good Story
It doesn’t look like Llover is sweating the gloves issue, as he knows that Peñalosa has his back. Indeed, in more ways than one, Llover has already won in life even before stepping into the ring against Angeletti.
Back on March 31, Llover went on Facebook to post a clip of the moment that he received his high school diploma. The happy graduate of Tropical Village National High School relayed words of gratitude in his caption.
“Nagtiwala ako ng buo sa Diyos kung saan niya ako itutulot at eto ako ngayon, matagumpay na natapos ang mataas na sekondaryang edukasyon. Maraming maraming salamat po Ama, tunay na sa iyo po ang lahat ng kapurihan.”
Llover went on to thank his significant other, his parents, and his teachers who helped him achieve this personal milestone. It will be a different story, however, when he enters the Aichi Sky Expo this weekend. He’ll be a student no more; instead, he’ll be a teacher, ready to showcase a masterclass in finishing adversaries.
By raining down punches on Angeletti, Llover will quench the thirst of a country craving star power. Drink up, Philippines.
Catch the Llover vs. Angeletti fight this Saturday (June 6) on the official YouTube channel of Saikou Lush Boxing Promotions. The boxing event is scheduled to start at 3:00pm, Manila time.
Tune in to ALL-STAR for live, round-by-round coverage of the Llover vs. Angeletti bout.
