Kenneth Llover suffers first pro loss, drops split decision to Michael Angeletti in IBF eliminator

Filipino rising star Kenneth Llover suffered the first heartbreak of his professional career, dropping a split decision to Michael Angeletti of the United States in their IBF bantamweight world title eliminator on Saturday, June 6, at the Aichi Sky Expo in Nagoya, Japan.

Two judges scored the bout 115-112, and 116-111 in favor of the 29-year-old American, while the third had it 115-112 for Llover.

Angeletti utilized a fast, sharp jab and precise counter-punches throughout the 12-round affair to build a steady lead on the scorecards. Meanwhile, “Lover Boy” enjoyed a roaring start, but ultimately faded in the latter rounds as Angeletti seized the momentum.

Llover’s finest moment came in the second round when he stunned and dropped Angeletti for a knockdown. However, it wasn't enough to sustain the Caviteño across the finish line.

Sensing the fight slipping away, a desperate Llover let his hands loose in the 11th round. However, the New Orleans native refused to back down, matching the Filipino's aggression with a furious flurry of his own.

In the 12th and final frame, Llover was struck by a severe low blow that brought him to his knees. Showing immense heart, the 23-year-old soldiered through the pain and fought on to the final bell.

With the victory, Angeletti keeps his unblemished record intact at 15-0 and officially becomes the mandatory challenger for Jose Salas Reyes’ IBF bantamweight crown. Llover, meanwhile, tasted defeat for the first time, sliding to 17-1.

—JKC, GMA News