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After scoring back-to-back first-round wins, rising Filipino bantamweight Kenneth Llover showed maturity beyond his years by taking his time — and it paid off.

He stopped former two-division world champion Luis Concepcion via eighth-round TKO on Sunday, August 17, at Winford Resort and Casino Manila.

The pride of General Trias, Cavite is now one step closer to a world title shot. His strategy took place by means of patience and that is why he obtained victory.

Despite scoring early knockdowns in the second and third rounds, the 22-year-old from General Trias, Cavite didn’t rush the finish. 

Instead, he listened to his corner and stuck to the game plan, ultimately earning a technical knockout in the 8th round over former two-division world champion Luis Concepcion. 

“Hindi lahat ng laban natatapos agad. Kailangan may diskarte, may tiyaga, ang pinaghahandaan namin ay world championship,” Llover said. 

Concepcion’s grit and experience weren’t enough to stop Llover, whose patience and power carried him through.

“Hindi po [ako na-frustrate] kasi expected ko na po yun sa laban namin ngayon na talagang aabot kami sa mahabang round. Then yun naman yung sinabi sa akin ni Sir Gerry Peñalosa na malakas yan, Mag-ingat ka. Then nung time na knockdown ko siya, di akong nagmadali. Talagang hindi ko siya tinapos kasi once na mamadaling ko yun, pwede akong ako yung madehado, ako yung matsambahan. Kaya, talagang nag-ingat ako na hanggang makuha ko siya sa tamang round na yun yung biniyaya ng Diyos ko kanina.” he added.

Up next: a world title eliminator this October against IBF No. 5 contender Landi Ngxeke. The road to a world championship for Llover is on.

Famed boxing trainer and Hall of Famer Tommy Brooks passed away at the age of 71 on Tuesday, July 29, after a long battle with cancer. Born in Little Rock, Arkansas, and raised in San Diego, Brooks began his boxing journey with mentors Archie Moore and Eddie Futch before serving in the United States Air Force.

“Got more bad news a little while ago. It was just confirmed by his family that esteemed boxing trainer Tommy Brooks died tonight, after having fought a very aggressive cancer. Too young.” DiBella wrote on X.

As an amateur, Brooks captured the AAU national middleweight title in 1975, defeating Tom Sullivan and a young Michael Spinks, and went on to win a U.S. national title. He turned professional in 1977, finishing with a 7-3 record.

Brooks found his true calling as a trainer, working alongside legendary figures Lou Duva and George Benton. Over his illustrious career, he trained some of boxing’s biggest names, including Evander Holyfield, Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis, the Klitschko brothers, Pernell Whitaker, Meldrick Taylor, Mike McCallum, Vinny Pazienza, Charles Murray, David Price, and many others.

He is survived by his wife Donna (Duva), sons Brian, Marlon, and Jonathan, and daughter Cassandra, as well as her husband, boxing trainer Shaun George. Funeral services will be announced in Georgia and New Jersey.

Rest in peace, Tommy Brooks—a true legend in the world of boxing.

Jerwin “Pretty Boy” Ancajas is set to continue his quest for another world title as he faces Uruguay’s Ruben Casero in an important bout for his super bantamweight championship ambitions.

Originally scheduled for the Manny Pacquiao–Mario Barrios undercard, Ancajas’s fight was bumped from the lineup. Nevertheless, the former IBF super flyweight champion, who trained alongside Pacquiao, Mark Magsayo, and Eumir Marcial, remains optimistic.

“I’m glad to finally have a fight. I thought I’d be fighting at the MGM Grand on the main card, but God has a greater purpose,” said Ancajas, whose eight-round bout will now take place at Thunder Studios in Long Beach, California, on Sunday, July 27 (Manila time).

With a record of 36-4-2 (24 KOs), Ancajas holds a clear edge in experience over Casero, who enters the ring with a 13-4 record (5 KOs).

MP Promotions president Sean Gibbons emphasized the significance of the match: “Jerwin will be fighting his third super bantamweight bout. This is another stepping stone for him to fight for a world title. It’s one of the final steps for Jerwin to secure another title opportunity at 122 pounds, but he must win this fight. It’s a very crucial fight.”

Eumir Marcial made a triumphant return to the professional ranks, delivering a statement win on the undercard of the Manny Pacquiao–Mario Barrios bout at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas.

Marcial, now 6-0 with four knockouts, remained undefeated after stopping American Bernard Joseph in the third round of their 163-pound catchweight contest.

After a cautious start, the Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist found his rhythm, punishing Joseph with powerful body shots. Marcial floored his opponent with a hook in the second round, then sealed the win in the third by sending Joseph to the canvas once more with a thunderous left. The referee waved off the fight at 1:55 of the round when Joseph failed to beat the count.

With this impressive victory, Marcial inches closer to a world title shot, further cementing his reputation as one of the Philippines’ most promising boxing talents.

Mark "Magnifico" Magsayo showed why he remains one of the Philippines’ brightest boxing hopes, as he earned a convincing unanimous decision win over Mexico’s Jorge Mata Cuellar in the undercard of the Pacquiao-Barrios showdown at the MGM Grand Arena.

It wasn’t easy. Cuellar proved to be a rugged, resilient opponent, forcing Magsayo into a gritty 10-round battle filled with powerful exchanges. 

But in the end, it was the former world champion from Tagbilaran City, Bohol who came out on top.

Two judges saw the fight as a 100-90 shutout, while the third scored it 98-92 — all in favor of Magsayo, who improved to 28 wins (18 by KO) against 2 losses. 

The win also earned him the WBC Continental Americas super featherweight title, adding momentum to his march back to world title contention.

“He was tough. He took a lot of shots but kept firing back. I had to stay sharp all the way,” Magsayo said after the bout.

While the scorecards suggest a dominant performance, the reality inside the ring told a tougher story. Cuellar absorbed Magsayo’s best shots — especially in the fourth round where the Filipino let loose a flurry of clean power punches — and still managed to respond with sharp counterattacks.

The victory marks a successful U.S. return for Magsayo, whose last title reign came after dethroning Gary Russell Jr. in 2022 to become the WBC featherweight world champion.

Now competing in the super featherweight division, Magsayo is once again on the brink of a world title shot, and Saturday’s win solidified his position in the queue.

“We’re staying focused. I can’t be complacent. The goal is to be world champion again,” he said.

With the win, Magsayo made it 2-0 for Filipino fighters on the Pacquiao-Barrios undercard, following Eumir Marcial’s earlier victory — a strong showing for Philippine boxing on one of its grandest nights.

“Hats off to Jorge Mata, he is a tough fighter. Thank you for giving a great show to the boxing fans tonight. Big thank you to my team for all the improvements you made to me — I owe it to all of you,” Magsayo concluded.

Mario Barrios narrowly retained his WBC welterweight title after a dramatic battle with People's Champ and former eight division titlist Manny Pacquiao which ended in a majority draw at the MGM Grand. 

Throughout the fight, Pacquiao’s trademark grit and ring savvy kept Barrios guessing, fueling hopes of yet another fairy-tale chapter in the Filipino legend’s storied career.

But Barrios surged in the final three rounds—sweeping them on all three judges’ scorecards—to do just enough to hold on to his belt. One judge scored the bout 115-113 for Barrios, while the other two saw it even at 114-114.

“I thought I won the fight. It was close. My opponent was very tough, but it was a wonderful fight.” said Pacquiao.

For Barrios, sharing the ring with Pacquiao was an honor: 

“I thought I pulled it out, but I tip my hat to Manny. His stamina, power, and rhythm are still incredible. He’s a tough puzzle to solve.” Barrios said. 

The result elicited a muted response from the MGM Grand crowd, who had cheered Pacquiao’s attempt at a storybook comeback. Ultimately, Barrios keeps his crown, while Pacquiao once again proves he can compete with the best—even at 46.

Don’t miss the chance to witness history in the making as Filipino Olympic bronze medalist Eumir Marcial returns to the ring on the undercard of the blockbuster Manny Pacquiao-Mario Barrios bout this Sunday, July 20, 2025 (Manila time) in Las Vegas.

Marcial, one of the Philippines’ brightest boxing stars, was originally set to face Mexico’s Alexis Gaytan in an eight-round middleweight showdown. But with Gaytan sidelined by an injury, Marcial will now take on the formidable American, Bernard Joseph—a fresh challenge that promises even more excitement.

This isn’t just another bout for Marcial. It’s a pivotal moment in his journey from Olympic hero to professional contender, and all eyes will be on him as he steps into the global spotlight once again. With his relentless drive and world-class skills, Marcial is determined to prove he’s a force in the pro ranks.

As the world tunes in to celebrate Manny Pacquiao’s legendary comeback, make sure you’re there to cheer for the next generation of Filipino boxing greatness. Eumir Marcial’s fight is a must-watch—don’t miss this electrifying night of action. 

Team Pacquiao and Marcial are already heading to Las Vegas in great condition following intense strength and conditioning programs and heavy sparring sessions, along with the heavy pain and trials they endured after a disappointing result in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Manny Pacquiao and Mario Barrios will be entering their fight next week, each armed with key weapons. It will be a matter of which one neutralizes the other.

"Remember, in boxing, speed is the key," Pacquiao stated recently in an interview.

Although he's already 46 years old, the Filipino boxing icon insists he hasn’t skipped a beat, with his trainers and onlookers in Los Angeles affirming his solid workouts over the past few weeks.

Pacquiao is ending a four-year retirement to try and dethrone Barrios, the reigning World Boxing Council welterweight champion, on July 19 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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.

Former world champion Keith Thurman has significant credibility when discussing Manny Pacquiao and Mario Barrios, especially since he has faced both fighters. With their matchup just two weeks away in Las Vegas, Thurman’s insights hold weight.

The 36-year-old boxer had different experiences against the two: he lost to Pacquiao by decision in 2019 but secured a victory over Barrios on the scorecards three years later. Now, as Barrios prepares to defend his World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight title against Pacquiao at the MGM Grand on July 19, Thurman’s perspective is drawing attention.

Thurman shared his thoughts during a recent interview with Fighthype.com. He expressed confidence in the 46-year-old Pacquiao's ability to compete against the younger Barrios.

“It’s hard to know, with the age of Pacquiao, what we’re gonna get from him,” said Thurman.

“But I’ll tell you this, depending on his conditioning, depending on how much he can pop in on that in-step that he brought to me, that notorious fast in-step — if he can pop that and if he can get in, I know he can hurt Mario Barrios,” he added.

However, Thurman pointed out a crucial aspect of Barrios’ fighting style that could give him an advantage over the legendary Filipino boxer: his jab. This fundamental punch has historically been a weak point for the aggressive Pacquiao.

“That’s the big thing in Pacquiao’s favor; Barrios was hurt against [Abel] Ramos, and that’s the thing — the defense of Barrios is still suspect. He’s not hard to find. But one thing I took away, even though I beat him, is that he has a really good jab,” Thurman continued.

At six feet tall, Barrios benefits from both youth and size compared to the smaller Pacquiao, who has been less active in the ring recently. As a result, oddsmakers have made the Mexican-American the favored contender. According to Thurman, Barrios possesses the necessary skills to fulfill his role as the favored fighter heading into the bout.

“He (Barrios) used that jab when he beat [Yordenis] Ugas, and Ugas beat Pacquiao because he stayed long. So I think if Barrios works that jab of his, makes the old man use his legs and work really hard to get inside, I think he can pull it off,” Thurman finished.

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.

Manny Pacquiao, the legendary boxing icon, is just weeks away from an extraordinary return to the ring at age 46—captivating fans and analysts alike.

As the only eight-division world champion in boxing history, Pacquiao is set to challenge the formidable WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios on July 19 at the illustrious MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

After a nearly four-year hiatus following his unanimous decision loss to Yordenis Ugas in 2021, Pacquiao took time to reflect and eventually announced his retirement, earning a well-deserved induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

Now, defying both age and expectations, the Filipino legend is poised to make history once again by reclaiming the welterweight world title—and breaking his own record as the oldest champion in the division. He first achieved that feat in 2019 when he defeated Keith Thurman at age 40.

As the fight approaches, undisputed super-middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez has expressed deep respect for Pacquiao.

“It’s going to be a great fight. Manny consistently brings everything he has to create an exciting spectacle,” Canelo said in an interview.

Despite entering the ring as the underdog—facing Barrios’ speed and size advantage—Pacquiao remains steadfast in his ambition. A victory would not only restore his world title but could also set the stage for a high-stakes showdown with Gervonta "Tank" Davis, one of boxing's most electrifying stars.

With stakes this high, the world will undoubtedly be watching as Pacquiao seeks to etch his name even deeper into the annals of boxing history.

In an impressive display of skill, taller Japanese southpaw Madoka Wada (4-0, 3 KOs) successfully defended her OPBF Female Minimumweight Title by stopping resilient Filipina challenger Carleans “Chay” Rivas (9-8-4, 1 KO) in Round 7 in Tokyo, Japan.

From the very first round, Wada utilized her height advantage, sharp right jab, and accurate counters to dictate the pace, keeping the aggressive Rivas at bay. Renowned for her tenacity and relentless pressure, Rivas found it difficult to close the distance against the rangy champion.

In Round 7, Wada unleashed a series of unanswered combinations that prompted the referee to intervene and halt the fight. Although Rivas protested the stoppage, demonstrating her indomitable spirit, Wada had clearly taken command, landing effective shots throughout the bout.

A big salute to Rivas—the fearless fighter from Angono, Rizal—whose courage and heart earned her the respect of the crowd despite the loss. She poured everything into the fight and exited the ring with her head held high.

Wada’s victory keeps her unbeaten and solidifies her position as the reigning OPBF champion, marking her continued ascent in the minimumweight division.

Manny Pacquiao announced that his long layoff from boxing has reignited his passion as he prepares for his world welterweight title comeback against Mario Barrios on July 19 in Las Vegas.

The 46-year-old Filipino icon, returning four years after his last fight, is training with veteran coach Freddie Roach at the Wild Card Gym in Hollywood.

“Now I’m back, I’m hungry to fight again. I’m hungry to fight in a big fight like this—to work hard, have discipline, everything like that. I’ve missed boxing. I feel the passion, the fire in my eyes, working hard—it’s still there,” Pacquiao said.

While he acknowledged that recovery now takes a bit longer, he believes his physical condition remains sharp.

“I’m fast, I can move like I did before. I can run in the mountains with the young boxers, so I’m happy. I’m enjoying this training camp. There are a couple of adjustments for bodily recovery. We have to control the body, give it time to rest and recover,” he added.

Pacquiao, a 12-time world champion, wouldn’t confirm if his return will be a one-off or the start of a full comeback.

“It’s hard to say,” he said when asked about future bouts. “Now I’m back, so one at a time. After this fight, we can plan whatever we want. For now, I’m focused on this fight,” he emphasized.

Despite some skepticism—including comments from British promoter Eddie Hearn about the risks of facing the younger Barrios—Pacquiao responded confidently: “Just watch on July 19. It will be a good fight,” he concluded.

Fighting for the first time since his loss to Richardson Hitchins for the IBF super lightweight title last December, Paro forced Jonathan Navarro to retire on his stool after five rounds in their main event bout on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at the Convention Centre in Cairns, Queensland.

The Australian southpaw delivered a devastating overhand left to Navarro (18-2, 9 KOs) with just 45 seconds left in the fifth round. Although Navarro quickly got back on his feet, he became an easy target for Paro’s left hand throughout the remainder of the round.

Paro, now with a record of 26-1, 16 KOs, stunned Navarro again in the final 10 seconds of the round. As Navarro returned to his corner, it was clear he was defeated, prompting his trainer to stop the fight during the one-minute break between rounds five and six, granting Paro a victory by TKO in his comeback.

Throughout the first four rounds, Paro established dominance with his southpaw jab and effective body shots. He controlled the pace of the match, while Navarro hesitated to engage directly, opting instead to focus on counter-punching.

In rounds three and four, Paro began to string his punches together more effectively. As he closed the distance, Navarro showed some willingness to trade, but Paro’s offensive variety consistently gave him the upper hand during exchanges.

Now, Paro also has unfinished business. He suffered a controversial split-decision loss to Richardson Hitchins in December — the only blemish on his professional record.

“I want to win a world title. I want another belt. I want to avenge my loss. Life has given me the opportunity to move forward and show how much of a champion I am in adversity. I’m ready to prove the critics wrong,” Paro said.