Llover Saves Pinoy Stint in Bishkek; Kayoes Tall Argentine to Stay Unbeaten
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 29 Oct 2025
Reigning OPBF bantamweight champion Kenneth "Lover Boy" Llover emerged as the lone Pinoy victor in the two days boxing extravaganza in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan put up by the Kameda Promotion of former world titlist Koki Kameda.
In a stint that saw the defeats of the heralded Johnriel Casimero and a couple of other erstwhile undefeated Filipino prospects, Llover saved the campaign by knocking out his tall and rangy Argentine foe, Luciano Francisco Baldor in the fourth frame of a scheduled ten rounder.
Llover not only kept his immaculate record but boosted his chance to fight for the world bantamweight crown with an eliminator set early next year per his manager, Gerry Peñalosa, himself a former two division world boxing champion.
Spotting his nearly six footer opponent by almost six inches in height and as long in reach, Llover used his speed and explosiveness reminiscent of Manny Pacquiao to dispatch the Argentine who looked like a bantamweight version of the now famous super welterweight Sebastian Fundora.
The end came at 1:42 of the fourth after Llover deposited Baldor to the canvas for keeps following a dominant first three rounds.
It was a fitting follow up victory for the 22 years young Llover who passed a stern test in his last bout against the difficult Nicaraguan veteran Luis Concepción whom he managed to also knock out in the later rounds in Manila. The win raised Llover's record to 16-0, 11 by knockout, including four straight since late last year.
Llover was supposed to meet South African stylist Landile Ngexeke in a world title eliminator but negotiations fell through after Ngexewe pulled out allegedly to get a direct crack at the world championship.
According to Gerry Peñalosa, after a brief rest, Llover will commence training under coach Dindo Campo with the famed Alex Ariza as strength and conditioning coach, preparatory to a world title eliminator or world title crack early next year.
Casimero and two other Pinoys were not as fortunate. In his first fight after serving a year suspension by the Japan Boxing Commission (JBC), Casimero was outhustled by his taller Japanese foe, Kyonosuke Kameda and lost by unanimous decision. Erstwhile undefeated Reymart Tagacanao and Kenneth Rapista also were outpointed by rated Japanese opponents.
Judging and officiating in those fights however were questionable as Japanese judges and referees served in those contests.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Teodoro Medina Reynoso.
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