Llover vows comeback

MANILA, Philippines — Kenneth Llover was a win away from fighting for the IBF bantamweight title but lost the chance when he dropped a split 12-round decision to Texas-based Michael Angeletti in a championship eliminator at the Aichi Sky Expo, Nagoya, last Saturday. It was the Cavite southpaw’s first loss and he vowed to bounce back as a superbantamweight in his next outing, possibly in September.

“Babalik si Kenneth at 122,” said two-time former world champion and Llover’s manager Gerry Peñalosa. “Hirap na siya sa 118. Confident siya before the fight, buo ang loob but he was drained after five rounds. Nag-cramp siya both legs, pinilit niya sagasaan pero di na kaya ng katawan.” Peñalosa said Angeletti’s length was a problem but if Llover didn’t gas out, he would’ve bulldozed his way through it.

At the weigh-in, Llover was 300 grams over the limit in his first attempt. After 30 minutes, he was back on the scales and still 200 grams over. Llover stripped, tip-toed and raised his arms to finally make weight. The next morning, he scaled 128, ate a little and entered the ring a few hours later at the same weight when his usual fighting limit is 134. “Naubos si Kenneth at wala ng mapiga,” said Peñalosa. “Three days before ng laban, halos wala na siyang kinain.” Strength and conditioning coach Alex Ariza wasn’t available for the fight due to passport issues.

Despite the weight ordeal, Llover put up a strong stand at the start. He decked Angeletti in the second round although it seemed like a stumble. Japanese referee Koji Tanaka gave Angeletti a mandatory eight-count. After nine rounds, the scorecards had it a split draw so the fight was decided in the homestretch. Australian judge Carl Zappia had it a sweep for Angeletti in the last nine rounds and scored it 116-111. Japanese judge Saemi Okaniwa saw it 115-112 for Angeletti and gave him the last seven rounds. Thai judge Cherdchai Srirat had it 115-112 for Llover even if he scored four of the last five frames for Angeletti.