Kenneth Llover holds his own against a taller Michael Angeletti in their IBF bantamweight title eliminator in Japan.
NAGOYA, Japan – Not even a first professional loss would dampen Kenneth Llover’s spirit on Saturday, June 6.
Still upbeat despite the split-decision loss to Michael Angeletti in their International Boxing Federation bantamweight title eliminator, Llover said such was part of a champion’s journey.
“Sa’kin naman po, yung pagkatalo is part ng boxing yan. Kumbaga yung pagkatalo natural yan sa champion, natural na pagdadaanan yang mga bagay. Diyan ka magiging matibay,” said the ArenaPlus ambassador after the fight at the Aichi Sky Expo in Tokoname.
Two judges scored the fight, 116-111, 115-112 in favor of Angeletti, whose record remained spotless at 15-0. One had the 5-foot-6 Caviteño winning, 115-112.
After seeing his previously unbeaten 17-0 tally come to an end, Llover is only extra motivated to work harder to become a better boxer.
Kenneth Llover warms up inside the dugout minutes before his IBA bantamweight title eliminator bout.
“Hindi naman lahat pagdadaanan kailangan tagumpay. Darating sa point ng buhay mo na mararanasan mong matalo,” said the 24-year-old Llover.
“Pero di naman dahil doon, na matatalo ka, doon mo na ititigil yung career mo. Tuloy lang.”
ArenaPlus, the No. 1 PAGCOR-licensed online sportsbook in the Philippines, commended Llover for the heart and determination he showed throughout the fight.
“Kenneth’s journey is only beginning. Every great boxer faces adversity at some point in his career, and this experience will only help him grow,” said Erick Su, Head of ArenaPlus.
“We are proud of the way he carried himself inside and outside the ring. We have no doubt he will learn from this fight and come back even stronger.”
Kenneth Llover absorbs his first professional loss at the hands of Michael Angeletti during their fight at the Aichi Sky Expo.
For now, Llover will rest up as his handlers plot the next steps for his career.
“Sa mga kababayan namin sa Pilipinas at sa ArenaPlus family, maraming, maraming salamat sa inyo, sa patuloy na suporta,” he said.
“Hindi lang hanggang dito boxing career natin. Mas pag-iigihan pa natin. Laban lang, Pilipinas.”
Continue following Llover’s boxing journey on arenaplus.ph.
About DigiPlus
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About ArenaPlus
ArenaPlus is the #1 PAGCOR-licensed online sportsbook in the Philippines, providing a secure and engaging sports betting and streaming experience. Launched in 2023, ArenaPlus features a wide range of local and international sports and continues to expand its presence through key partnerships across major leagues, including the NBA, PBA, and PVL.
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