SAN Miguel guard Jericho Cruz was a surprise spectator when rising boxing prospect Kenneth Llover battled two-time world champion Luis Concepcion of Panama Sunday at the Winfor Resort and Casino in Manila.
It so happened the 34-year-old Cruz was a close friend of the undefeated Filipino fighter.
“I’m here to support him, kasi kapag may laro ako sinusuportahan niya rin ako. So I’m here to support him also,” said the Finals MVP of the recent PBA Philippine Cup title series.
READ: Llover scores eighth-round TKO against tough Panamanian foe
“Hindi ko lang yan kaibigan, parang kapatid ko na rin si Kenneth.”
Llover didn’t disappoint Cruz and the rest of the crowd that packed the hotel ballroom as he sent Concepcion down to the canvas twice, before their bantamweight bout was waived off by the referee in the eighth round as the 39-year-old Panamanian reeled from the barrage of punches unleashed by the Filipino southpaw.
Llover won the 10-round match via TKO and raised his record to 15-0 (10 KOs).
Cruz said he met Llover at his gym several years ago.
“Nakilala (ko siya) through boxing rin kasi may gym ako dati. May mga events din ako, pero hindi naman ganito kalaki. Mga maliliit lang na events para sa mga aspiring boxers,” recalled the tough playing guard from Adamson.
“Doon ko siya (Llover) na meet. Doon ko siya nakita.”
Llover though, didn’t fight in any of the events Cruz did.
“Pumupunta lang siya doon. Sumisilip,” he added.
After the fight, Cruz went up on the ring, waited for everyone to have their time with the victorious Filipino, and when he finally had his opportunity, exchanged short pleasantries with Llover and later, had their photo taken together.
At the moment, Cruz said he’s not been able to oversee the operation of his gym.
“Andiyan pa rin (gym) naman, pero hindi ako gaano nagfo-focus dun kasi yung wife ko (Mosh) di ba pregnant. So yung focus ko nasa kanya ngayon,” he added.
But Cruz admitted he’s an avid fan of boxing and Mixed Martial Arts.
“Naging sports ko yan growing up, kasi sa Guam and Saipan yun talaga ang no. 1, yung combat sports,” said Cruz, who recently suited up for the Guam national team in the 31st FIBA Asia Cup.
Despite his penchant for MMA, Cruz though, made one thing very clear.
“Pero hindi naman ako nanununtok sa court,” he said before letting out a meaningful laugh.
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