Llover vows comeback
By Joaquin Henson
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 08 Jun 2026
Kenneth Llover was a win away from fighting for the IBF bantamweight title but lost the chance when he dropped a split 12-round decision to Texas-based Michael Angeletti in a championship eliminator at the Aichi Sky Expo, Nagoya, last Saturday. It was the Cavite southpaw’s first loss and he vowed to bounce back as a superbantamweight in his next outing, possibly in September.
“Babalik si Kenneth at 122,” said two-time former world champion and Llover’s manager Gerry Penalosa. “Hirap na siya sa 118. Confident siya before the fight, buo ang loob but he was drained after five rounds. Nag-cramp siya both legs, pinilit niya sagasaan pero di na kaya ng katawan.” Penalosa said Angeletti’s length was a problem but if Llover didn’t gas out, he would’ve bulldozed his way through it.
At the weigh-in, Llover was 300 grams over the limit in his first attempt. After 30 minutes, he was back on the scales and still 200 grams over. Llover stripped, tip-toed and raised his arms to finally make weight. The next morning, he scaled 128, ate a little and entered the ring a few hours later at the same weight when his usual fighting limit is 134. “Naubos si Kenneth at wala ng mapiga,” said Penalosa. “Three days before ng laban, halos wala na siyang kinain.” Strength and conditioning coach Alex Ariza wasn't available for the fight due to passport issues.
Despite the weight ordeal, Llover put up a strong stand at the start. He decked Angeletti in the second round although it seemed like a stumble. Japanese referee Koji Tanaka gave Angeletti a mandatory eight-count. After nine rounds, the scorecards had it a split draw so the fight was decided in the homestretch. Australian judge Carl Zappia had it a sweep for Angeletti in the last nine rounds and scored it 116-111. Japanese judge Saemi Okaniwa saw it 115-112 for Angeletti and gave him the last seven rounds. Thai judge Cherdchai Srirat had it 115-112 for Llover even if he scored four of the last five frames for Angeletti.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Joaquin Henson.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Llover vows comeback
By Joaquin Henson, Mon, 08 Jun 2026Banawa, rules National Age Group Chess Championship
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 08 Jun 2026Saludar arrives in Japan to fight on June 10
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 07 Jun 2026Eala wins her 2nd WTA title at Lexus Birmingham Open
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 07 Jun 2026Mindoro beats Mexican, stays undefeated
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 07 Jun 2026Panamanian Government, Roberto "Hands of Stone" Durán, and the Mexican Márquez Brothers Join Forces for Amateur Boxing Megaproject
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sun, 07 Jun 2026Alex Eala advances to Birmingham Open finals
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 07 Jun 2026Santé Barley Trilogy Run Asia 2026 Davao Leg 2
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 07 Jun 2026Casimero stops Nery in 4th round
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 06 Jun 2026Edward Vazquez keeps title hopes alive by winning razor-thin unanimous decision over Daniel Lugo in Main Event of ProBoxTV
Sat, 06 Jun 2026LABAN PILIPINAS! Kenneth Llover Ready to KO His Way to a World Title Shot
By Carlos Costa, Sat, 06 Jun 2026Nery Does It Again: Overweight, But Casimero Says Let’s Fight!
By Carlos Costa, Sat, 06 Jun 2026Undefeated Gabriela Tellez to Challenge Elif Nur Turhan for IBF Lightweight World Title June 13 in Glendale, AZ
Sat, 06 Jun 2026SHEFFIELD FIGHT WEEK: OFFICIAL WEIGH-IN RESULTS, FIGHT NIGHT RUNNING ORDER FOR PADLEY VS FIAZ – LIVE ON DAZN
Sat, 06 Jun 2026Bruce “2.0” Seldon Jr.: From a Champion’s Son to Heavyweight Headliner
Sat, 06 Jun 2026