Undefeated Filipino prospect Kenneth Llover will close out a busy year with a fourth ring appearance, putting his OPBF bantamweight title on the line against Ayati Sailike on December 27 at the Aichi Sky Expo in Tokoname, Japan.
The 22-year-old rising star is coming off a blistering first-round knockout of Luciano Baldor last October in Kyrgyzstan. All three of Llover’s fights this year have ended in stoppages, and he’s aiming to deliver another emphatic finish before turning the page to 2026.
“This is my last fight of the year, and I want no less than an impressive performance to defend my OPBF bantamweight title,” Llover said in a statement.
“This is the kind of activity that I have always hoped for in my career, and I thank my promoters, Gerry Peñalosa and Kameda Promotions, for making it happen. Philippines, this one is for you!”
Former two-division world champion Gerry Peñalosa, who guides Llover’s career, believes his fighter is inching closer to championship contention. With key slots in the IBF bantamweight rankings currently vacant, Peñalosa sees the window opening for a world title shot in 2026.
“With the number one and two spots in the IBF world bantamweight ranking vacant, the three and four spots reportedly fighting, and Kenneth placed in the top five, we may be looking at a world title fight for him next year,” Peñalosa said.
“But first, we have to overcome this test in front of us. He is not an opponent we can overlook. Our team is laser-focused on getting the job done on December 27 because only after we win that fight can we afford to look forward.”
More details about Llover’s title defense will be announced soon.
