August 17, 2025 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — Undefeated IBF No. 8 bantamweight Kenneth (Lover Boy) Llover faces the hardest problem in his budding profession when he takes on former two-time world titlist Luis Concepcion of Panama in a scheduled 10-round bout on the Winford Resort and On line casino Manila tonight.
Promoter Gerry Peñalosa, himself a former two-time world champion, stated whereas Concepcion is a harmful opponent, it’s time to seek out out if Llover has what it takes to degree up. “Is Llover for actual, that’s what we need to know,” stated Peñalosa. “This can be a massive take a look at. Concepcion is set to win. He’s a proud and skilled veteran. When he arrived, Concepcion instructed the press it’ll be a battle and ensure Llover is prepared.”
Concepcion, 39, turned professional in 2006 when Llover was three years outdated. And when Llover made his professional debut in 2020, the Panamanian had already compiled a 39-8 document. Concepcion is a former WBA flyweight and superflyweight champion with a document of 40-11, together with 29 KOs, 9 within the first spherical. He has fought 10 world champions, beating six. Of his 11 losses, six had been on factors and eight got here exterior of Panama. Twice, Concepcion obtained up from the canvas to attain wins so he doesn’t hand over simply.
Llover, 22, is Peñalosa’s rising star. His final two fights ended within the first spherical, each towards Japanese opponents in Japan. It took Llover solely 58 seconds to eliminate Tulio Dekanarudo to say the OPBF bantamweight crown in Osaka final December. In his first protection final March, Llover took out Keita Kurihara at 2:33 of the opening body in Tokyo. Llover’s document is 14-0, with 9 KOs, 4 within the first spherical.
“Handa na ako,” stated Llover. “Kung determinado si Concepcion manalo, ako rin at higit pa. Malalaman natin sa ibabaw ng ring kung sino ang paniniwalaan.” Peñalosa has massive plans for Llover and it features a dream duel towards Naoya Inoue, maybe inside two years. However the first order of enterprise is popping again Concepcion.
