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Renowned strength and conditioning coach Alex Ariza sees a bright future for unbeaten prospect Kenneth Llover ahead of the latter’s upcoming bout against former two-division champion Luis Concepcion on August 17 at Winford Resort and Casino in Manila.
Ariza, who made his name by training world champions such as Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., and Amir Khan in the past, recently revealed he had retired in the Philippines and was out of the sport until he received a call to work with Llover.
“He is good. He is young and raw; he only got 14 fights. Obviously, we can see the Pacquiao influence on him. The movement, the speed, and he has great power,” said Ariza.
“It is going to be a road ahead of us, but there is a lot of potential. A lot of people are drawn to him; they like his style of fighting, and he is exciting. He has a fan favorite style.”
Llover has caught the attention of international boxing heads following back-to-back first-round stoppages in Japan. With offers coming from all sides, his promoter eventually linked up with Japan’s Kameda Promotions for a three-fight deal.
The deal, which runs for fifteen months, guarantees a world title fight for Llover. As big plans are in place for Llover, Ariza committed that he would turn his focus on the young prospect until he reaches his dream of becoming a world champion.
“He is young right now, so he does not complain about anything,” Ariza said.
“He does not mind getting up early and does not mind what we feed him. The whole team is here. We are all going to put all of our focus in the same way back we did with Manny when we started moving him up in weight. The same team is here.”
Winford Resort and Casino
Winford Resort and Casino is a luxury entertainment complex known for its high-end accommodations, gaming facilities, and vibrant nightlife. While specific historical details may vary, such resorts often emerge as key leisure destinations in tourist-heavy areas, blending modern amenities with local cultural influences. The casino component typically attracts visitors with a mix of gaming, live performances, and fine dining, making it a popular spot for both relaxation and excitement.
Manny Pacquiao
Manny Pacquiao is a world-renowned Filipino professional boxer, politician, and cultural icon, often considered one of the greatest boxers of all time. Rising from poverty, he became the only eight-division world champion in boxing history. Beyond sports, he served as a senator in the Philippines (2016–2022) and remains a symbol of perseverance and national pride.
Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Floyd Mayweather Jr. is a retired American professional boxer renowned for his undefeated record (50-0) and multiple world championships in five weight classes. Known for his defensive mastery and showmanship, Mayweather dominated boxing from the late 1990s to the 2010s, becoming one of the sport’s highest-paid athletes. While not a physical place or cultural site, his legacy is celebrated in boxing history, particularly in Las Vegas, where many of his major fights took place.
Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.
Julio César Chávez Jr. is not a place or cultural site but rather a Mexican professional boxer, son of the legendary boxer Julio César Chávez. He followed in his father’s footsteps, becoming a former WBC middleweight champion. While not a physical location, his career is part of Mexico’s rich boxing history and cultural legacy in the sport.
Amir Khan
Amir Khan is likely a reference to Amir Khan Mosque, a historic Islamic site located in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Built in the early 15th century during the Timurid Empire, it is part of the larger architectural complex surrounding the Registan Square. The mosque is named after Amir Khan, a prominent noble or religious figure of the time, and showcases intricate tilework and Persian-influencedesign typical of the region’s Islamic heritage.
(If you meant a different “Amir Khan,” such as the British-Pakistani boxer or another figure, please clarify!)
Kameda Promotions
Kameda Promotions is a Japanese boxing gym and promotional company founded by former professional boxer Koki Kameda and his family. Established in the early 2000s, it became known for managing and promoting the Kameda brothers—Koki, Daiki, and Tomoki—who were all successful world champions in boxing. The organization has played a significant role in popularizing boxing in Japan and developing young talent in the sport.