Already have Rappler+?
to listen to groundbreaking journalism.
SUMMARY
This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.
DOMINANT. Kenneth Llover corners Luis Concepcion during their bantamweight bout.
Photo courtesy of GerryPens Promotions
MANILA, Philippines – Top Filipino prospect Kenneth Llover took eight rounds to dispose of durable Panamanian Luis Concepcion on Sunday, August 17, proving he isn’t just a short fight wonder but a world-beater in progress at Winford Resort and Casino in Manila.
Llover appeared headed for a third straight early finish when he dropped the former two-division world champion in the second round, where Concepcion was saved by the bell, and again in the third.
Unlike Llover’s last two Japanese foes, whom he stopped in 58 seconds, and 2 minutes and 33 seconds, respectively, Concepcion turned out to be more durable, enduring the 22-year-old Filipino’s barrage of punches and gamely fighting back.
Shifting his attack to the body before head-hunting, Llover wobbled Concepcion again and never let up until the Panamanian’s legs buckled, forcing referee Carlo Baluyot to stop the lopsided beating at the 2 minutes and 27 seconds mark of the eighth, cutting short the 10-round bantamweight encounter.
“He (Concepcion) is very tough and strong. I hit him hard so many times, but he refuses to go down,” said Llover, who raised his perfect slate to 15 with 10 knockouts.
“The first two times I knocked him down, I looked at his legs and they remain steady,” the pride of General Trias, Cavite, said. “From there, I knew it would take me some time to put him down.”
The 39-year-old Concepcion fell to 40-12 with 29 knockouts and suffered his fourth loss in his last five bouts.
Llover, the reigning Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) champion, first dropped Concepcion with a right and left combination. The Panamanian was able to beat the count before the bell-ending the second round.
Seeking the follow-up, Llover again unloaded another combo, capped by a left to the chin that decked Concepcion again.
Next up for Llover is a world title eliminator against Landi Ngxeke of South Africa on October 26.
Llover said he sensed that Concepcion was weaker on the body when he sneaked in punches in the fifth and sixth rounds.
The four-fight card was staged by Gerrypens Promotions of former two-division world champion Gerry Penalosa and Kameda Promotions. – Rappler.com
How does this make you feel?
follow us
Checking your Rappler+ subscription…
Upgrade to Rappler+ for exclusive content and unlimited access.
Why is it important to subscribe? Learn more
You are subscribed to Rappler+
Leave a Comment