22-Year-Old Undefeated Filipino Boxing Prospect Kenneth Llover Faces His Toughest Challenge Against Japan’s Keita Kurihara for the OPBF Title at Korakuen Hall—Livestream via TitleHolder PH
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| Kenneth Llover |
Kenneth Llover (13-0, 8 KOs): A Rising Star in Philippine Boxing
I first came across this young prospect in 2020 when he was still an amateur fighter. Coincidentally, I was there covering the amateur boxing event where he was on the verge of turning professional. Witnessing his raw talent and determination back then, and now seeing his tremendous growth over just five years, it is clear that he has developed into a formidable, undefeated boxer.
A Legitimate Undefeated Prospect
While boxing is an individual sport, having the right team to guide a fighter’s career is crucial. Many undefeated records are often the result of careful matchmaking, but Kenneth Llover is different. By his sixth professional fight, his handlers were already matching him against tough, undefeated opponents.
His first real test came against Riddick Tablanza (4-0-0), an undefeated fighter at the time, in what was also Llover’s first title bout. He claimed victory via unanimous decision to capture the Philippine Luzon Bantamweight title.
He continued his rise by securing the Philippine Boxing Federation title with a dominant win over Jonathan Francisco. Llover then took a step further, challenging and defeating the then-unbeaten Benny Canete (7-0-0). Later that year, he faced his third undefeated prospect, James Pagaling, and recorded his first highlight-reel knockout—an emphatic statement that cemented his status as a legitimate rising star in Philippine boxing.
A Breakout Year: Llover’s 2023 Journey
The year 2023 was a busy one for Llover, who fought four times while steadily increasing the level of his opposition. He captured the WBA Asian Continental title by defeating former world title challenger Edward Heno. In his next fight, he took on his first foreign opponent, China’s Chengcheng Yang. This bout proved to be a tough test, as Llover struggled but ultimately edged out a victory by two points on all judges’ scorecards.
After a hard-fought win, most boxers would opt for a stay-busy fight. Instead, Llover took on yet another challenge—fighting on enemy territory for the first time. He traveled to Japan to face Tulio Dekanarudo (8-2-2) for the Interim OPBF Bantamweight title. In a stunning performance, he silenced the Japanese crowd by knocking out Dekanarudo in the very first round.
Llover vs. Kurihara: The Battle for the OPBF Championship
Nicknamed “Lover Boy” and “Batang Gentry,” Llover boasts a solid knockout rate, with 8 of his 13 wins coming by stoppage (61% KO rate). However, his opponent, Keita Kurihara, is an even bigger knockout artist. With 16 knockouts in his 19 wins, Kurihara holds an impressive 84% KO rate.
A seasoned veteran, Kurihara has faced some of the toughest names in the sport, including Hiroaki Teshigawara, Takuma Inoue, and several Filipino fighters such as Froilan Saludar. He is battle-tested and determined to retain his title as they unify their belts on March 24, 2025, at the historic Korakuen Hall in Japan.
Team Llover: Guided by a Boxing Legend
Kenneth Llover is managed and supported by former two-division world champion Gerry Peñalosa, who has played a key role in his training and development alongside his father and coaching team. However, Peñalosa has issued a firm warning:
“Ken continues to improve with every fight, but Japan won’t be easy. Kurihara may not have a perfect record, but he is a bigger, relentless pressure fighter—unlike anyone Ken has faced before. If Ken isn’t ready, it’s going to be a long night.”
Watch Llover vs. Kurihara on TitleHolder PH
For years, watching boxing matches held in Japan from the Philippines has been a challenge. With so many Filipino boxers competing in Japan, finding a legitimate livestream provider has been just as difficult as winning a fight on Japanese soil. Enter TitleHolder PH, led by CEO Elmer Anuran, who is making his return to the boxing scene.
“TitleHolder PH is built to be the go-to platform for future Filipino champions. Boxing has always been my passion, and this journey starts in the ring. Sending Kenneth Llover to Japan to face a battle-tested warrior like Kurihara is a challenge, but with the right preparation, we believe he has what it takes to win.” —Elmer Anuran
A longtime boxing promoter, Anuran is now transitioning into the digital space, bringing a fresh approach to promoting the sport. TitleHolder PH offers fans front-row access to exciting boxing action, focusing on Filipino talents. The new Philippine sports streaming platform aims to bridge the gap in boxing accessibility for fans, creating a global community of boxing enthusiasts.
Be a TitleHolder
You don’t have to step into the ring to be a TitleHolder. Simply visit https://Titleholder.ph/live-streaming/ to purchase your ticket and witness history unfold. Don’t miss out on this thrilling showdown between Kenneth Llover and Keita Kurihara on March 24 at 5 PM.
