UNDEFEATED world title prospect Kenneth Llover is not taking chances in his Oct. 26 fight even as earlier plans for him to figure in a title eliminator match didn’t push through.
The 22-year-old Filipino takes on Luciano Francisco Baldor of Argentina in a 10-round bantamweight fight at Bishkek Arena in Kyrgyzstan.
Baldor (21-4) was originally not penciled to face Llover, who was initially eyeing to face Landile Ngxeke of South Africa in a title eliminator.
But negotiations for the bout fell through, as Ngxeke will now meet undefeated Mexican Jose Salas Reyes for the IBF 118-pound crown.
Still, Llover is unfazed by the change of plan and opponent, saying he still trained for the fight 100-percent and vows to keep his unbeaten record which currently stands at 15-0 (10 KOs).
“Siguro, hindi pa talaga ukol. Pero kahit na hindi siya title eliminator, kahit sino naman ang kalaban natin, kailangang paghandaan,” said the Filipino southpaw after doing a media workout late Friday afternoon at the Gerry Penalosa Sports Center.
Llover loves it
Llover left for the Kyrgyzstan capital on Saturday along with head trainer Dindo Campo, strength and conditioning coach Alex Ariza, and Penalosa, the former two-time world champion whose GerryPens Promotions handles Llover along with Japan-based Kameda Promotions.
A native of General Trias, Cavite, Llover needed eight rounds to score a stoppage against former world champion Luis Concepcion in his last bout in August this year at the Winford Resort and Casino.
Baldor on the other hand, is coming off a majority decision against Venezuelan Michell Banquez in March this year held in Buenos Aires.
A win over the Argentine will set up the Filipino for another fight in March next year, which he hopes would finally be a shot for a world title.
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