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Kenneth Llover, one of the country’s brightest hopes for a world title, makes his much-awaited return after scoring back-to-back first-round knockout wins when he battles Panamanian two-division champion Luis Concepcion on 17 August at the Winford Resort and Casino in Manila.

Coming off brutal wins over Japanese Tulio Dekanarudo and Keita Kurihara, Llover is looking at the Concepcion clash as a stepping stone towards a world title crack.

“I am excited to fight in front of my kababayans again. Luis Concepcion is a warrior; he is aggressive and experienced. I expect him to bring the fight. This is going to be an explosive night,” said Llover. 

Concepcion paraded a 40-11 mark with 29 knockouts, and promoter Gerry Penalosa, also a two-division world champion like the Central American puncher, believes the Cavite-based Llover, nicknamed “Lover Boy,” will be in for a rough ride.

“Concepcion is the most decorated foe yet for Llover. He brings a wealth of experience with over 50 fights. This fight will show how ready is for the next level. Fans can’t miss this one,” Penalosa said.

Penalosa is teaming up with Kameda Promotions to stage a mouth-watering showdown on local soil, with the boxing outfit’s chief Koki Kameda arriving to watch the action.

Owing to his sensational performances in Japan, Llover is highly ranked by The Ring magazine.

Filipino former champion Mark "Magnifico" Magsayo is slated to face Jorge Mata Cuéllar of Mexico in a non-title 10-round super featherweight clash on the undercard of the Pacquiao-Barrios event on July 19 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

The 30-year-old Magsayo, with a stunning 27 wins, 2 loss, 18 KOs), hailing from Tagbilaran, Bohol, is riding high on the momentum of three consecutive victories since moving up to the 130-pound division, as he aims to reclaim a shot at a world title.

On the other hand, 24-year-old Cuéllar (21-2-2, 13 KOs) from Guadalajara, Mexico, arrives on the scene after scoring five straight wins. He is eager to topple the former Filipino champion to enhance his world ranking.

Currently, Magsayo is positioned at #2 by the WBC and #3 by the WBO, while Mata holds the #9 spot in the WBO rankings, making this encounter particularly significant.

A victory is vital for both fighters, promising an intense 10 rounds of action. For Magsayo, winning this bout is crucial for regaining his momentum as he eyes a future challenge for the super featherweight world title.