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Kenneth Llover to Face Undefeated Michael Angeletti in IBF Bantamweight Eliminator
Filipino boxer Kenneth Llover will fight undefeated American Michael Angeletti on June 6 in Japan in a 12-round bout that determines the next challenger for the IBF bantamweight title. Llover, who is 17-0 with 12 knockouts, has stopped his last five opponents. The winner will face IBF champion Jose Salas Reyes later in 2026.
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The 12-round world title eliminator will leave one fighter with a first loss. The victor is scheduled to challenge International Boxing Federation bantamweight champion Jose Salas Reyes before the end of 2026.
Llover, 23, holds a 17-0 record with 12 knockouts and has stopped his last five opponents. Angeletti, 29 and based in Spring, Texas, enters the bout at 14-0 with eight knockouts. The fight will take place in Japan.
Two-division world champion Gerry Penalosa said Llover will prevail. "Once the bell rings, Llover will transform into a fierce street dog ready to pounce on his opponent," Penalosa stated during a media workout on May 7 at his sports center in Paranaque. "He has all the tools.
He is brave, dedicated, and has a mindset determined to be a champion. " Penalosa assembled a team that includes head coach Dindo Campo to prepare Llover. The training has been conducted in Tagaytay City.
The group also includes a strength and conditioning coach and a manager. Llover said he has maintained his weight and will begin 10 rounds of sparring this week. He described Angeletti as a skillful and technical fighter but added that he plans to press forward and initiate exchanges.
Head coach Dindo Campo said he expects an action-filled fight in which one boxer will be knocked down and predicted Llover would remain standing. Llover represents General Trias, Cavite. A victory would position him as a leading contender in the 118-pound division.
