Unbeaten Filipino prospect Kenneth Llover, left, tests his mettle against former two-division world champion Luis Concepcion of Panama in a bantamweight clash at Winford Resort Casino in Manila.—CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Filipino prospect Kenneth Llover resumes his quest for a world title shot facing his stiffest test yet on Sunday night.
Llover risks his undefeated record against former two-division world champion Luis Concepcion of Panama in a 10-round bantamweight bout at Winford Resort and Casino Manila.
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The 22-year-old Llover, who owns a 14-0 record with nine knockouts, is tipped to keep his winning streak going against a seasoned veteran in Concepcion, who is at the tail end of his career.
Concepcion (40-11, 29KOs), who turns 40 in less than two months, has lost seven of his last 12 fights since winning the WBA super flyweight crown in August 2016.
He also hasn’t fought since he suffered an eighth-round stoppage to David Contreras in October 2023.
But make no mistake, Llover isn’t taking any chances with a loss delaying his world championship plans that could come as early as December should he handily win his fight against Concepcion and a world title eliminator slated this October in Japan.
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“This is a huge challenge. He is no joke. I respect him because he is a two-division world champion, whereas I am working towards my dream of becoming one,” Llover said.
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“He is a good opponent, and this will be a good test of how far I can go. I plan to win by knockout.”
Llover, who hails from General Trias, Cavite, has only been in the ring for a total of two rounds in his previous two fights held in Japan after dismantling a pair of Japanese foes in Tulio Dekanarudo last December and Keita Kurihara five months ago.
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Like Llover, Concepcion has big plans too.
“I have heard many things about my opponent, but it’s just going to be the two of us inside the ring. The more talented fighter will win this fight. I respect Llover, but this is not just physical preparation but also mental. I am going to win the fight,” he said.
The two fighters cleared the 118-pound limit Saturday but not after Llover shedding off excess weight after initially tipping the scales 0.4 pounds over.
Llover, who is co-promoted by Japanese Koki Kameda and Filipino boxing legend Gerry Peñalosa, eventually made weight at 117.8 pounds while Concepcion had no issue at 117 pounds.
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Four other fights are scheduled before the Llover-Concepcion main event begins at 7 p.m.