By REYNALD MAGALLON
Rising Filipino boxing prospect Kenneth Llover is eager to test his wares against two-time former world champion Luis Concepcion of Panama in a fight that would serve as his launching pad for a long-coveted world title shot.
The undefeated pride of General Trias, Cavite is facing the biggest challenge yet to his young, budding career when he takes on a seasoned veteran in Concepcion in a 10-round non-title bantamweight bout on Sunday, Aug. 17 at the Winford Hotel and Casino in Manila.
Rated No. 8 in the International Boxing Federation (IBF) and No.14 in the World Boxing Council (WBC) bantamweight rankings, the feisty and aggressive 22-year-old fighter is aiming to prove that he already has what it takes to challenge the world’s best in his division.
“Talagang pinaghandaan ko po talaga itong laban na ito dahil isang mabigat na hamon ito para sa atin,“ said Llover during the pre-fight press conference at the same venue on Friday, Aug. 15.
“Hindi biro ang ating kalaban. At siyempre, nire-respeto natin tong kalaban natin na si Luis Concepcion dahil isa siyang two-time world champion. Kumbaga tayo, nagsisimula pa lang humakbang para patungo sa pangarap natin ngayon. Ngayon tayo masusubukan,“ he added.
Llover, who is fighting under Gerrypens Promotions, is staking his undefeated 14-0 record, with nine knockouts while Concepcion is boasting a 51-fight record of 40 wins and 11 losses, with 29 KOs.
For his promoter, Filipino boxing great Gerry Penalosa, the bout is an acid test for Llover especially that they are eyeing a potential world title fight before the year ends.
“Kailangang madaanan talaga yung ganitong klaseng laban. So, isang acid test para kay Kenneth. God willing, sa mga plano, Kenneth might be fighting a world title fight next,“ said Penalosa.
Though inactive for almost two years, Concepcion is still packing the firepower that once allowed him to reign in the flyweight and super flyweight divisions.
And determined to get a second wind on his boxing career, the 39-year-old Panamanian said he didn’t come all the way here at the other side of the globe only to lose against Llover.
“No one else is going to be inside the ring. No trainer or physical preparation or diet is there. The most intelligent fighter will win this fight,“ said Concepcion through a translator.
“I respect Kenneth Llover. But it is not only a matter of strength or physical preparation. It is going to be mental and the more intelligent fighter is going to win the fight,“ he added, obviously banking on his veteran smarts come fight night.
