Cañete, a fast-rising fighter from the Omega Boxing Gym in Cebu, is in for the toughest test of his young career against a fellow highly regarded prospect in Llover.
The 22-year-old Cañete, nicknamed “The Bull” for his solid physique, had an impressive 2022, winning all three of his fights by stoppage. He demolished veteran John Kenan Villaflor, Mark Glen Antaran and Jovanie Tagusi.
Likewise, the 19-year-old Llover, a protégé of two-division world champion Gerry Peñalosa, also had a banner year in 2022 with four wins and winning the Philippines Boxing Federation bantamweight belt. He beat Rolly Dorong, Miller Alapormina, Ridick Tablanza and Jonathan Francisco.
Cañete is 7-0 with six knockouts, while Llover is 7-0 with five knockouts.
In the undercard, Lorenz Dumam-ag (5-0, 4 KOs) slugs it out with fellow hard-hitter Christian Gagarin (3-1, 3 KOs); Cebuano prospect Richie Cacanog (2-0, 2 KOs) locks horns with Jimmy Ramisco Cannu (2-1); heavy-handed Antonio Uy (3-0, 3 KOs) faces off with fellow unbeaten Mac Pescador (2-0); and Harry Omac (5-1, 2 KOs) is up against Ramcie Mondala (5-2, 2 KOs). (EKA)