Llover scores eighth-round TKO against tough Panamanian foe

August 18 ------ IT took Kenneth Llover some time, but the result was the same. The rising Filipino world title prospect repeatedly pounded Luis Concepcion of Panama with power punches on the way to an eighth-round technical knockout in their non-title bantamweight fight at the Winford Resort and Casino.

The 22-year-old Llover knocked the former two-time world champion down in the second and third rounds with a pair of left hands, sending a packed crowd in the hotel ballroom in a frenzy. It was only a matter of time by then before the undefeated hometown bet would end the 10-round bout. “Talagang binilin sa akin ni sir Gerry Penalosa na huwag akong magmamadali kasi hindi lang yung kalaban namin lagi naming makukuha sa first round,” said Llover, who is being promoted by GerryPens Promotions. “Talagang andyan yun, talagang gagamit kami ng strategy, gagamit kami ng oras na hindi tayo puwedeng magmadali sa lahat ng bagay.”

Llover took his time and fought a patient fight, before finally finding an opening in the eighth round when a series of combinations finally took its toll on the fading Concepcion. Sensing the 39-year-old Panamanian was already hurt, the Filipino pummeled him without let up, prompting referee Carlo Baluyot to finally stop the carnage. The end came at the 2:27 mark of the eighth round.

Llover is now 15-0 with 10 KOs and will be lined up next for a possible title eliminator bout in Japan before the year ends. But as dominant as the victory was, the southpaw from General Trias, Cavite was left impressed by the toughness shown by Concepcion. “Nakita ko talaga yung tibay niya. Yung tibay niya na pinakita sa akin sa loob ng ring talagang binigay niya yung best niya sa akin,” said Llover, who thought the fight was over when he initially sent the Panamanian to the canvas in the second round. When Concepcion got up from the two knockdowns, it was obvious he was in for a long night. “Talagang nasabi ko tatagal kami ng round nito,” said Llover. “Dun ko nasabi na hindi basta-basta yung kalaban ko. Ito tumayo dalawang beses.”

Concepcion’s record now stands at 40-12 with 29 KOs.

Source: spin.ph