‘Underdog’ Mike Plania is first PH boxer to fight amid pandemic
Filipino boxer Mike Plania. Photo from Sanman Promotions’ Instagram
MANILA, Philippines — Mike Plania will get firsthand experience fighting behind closed doors at MGM Grand Conference Center in Las Vegas on June 16.
Plania is set to become the first Filipino boxer to fight since boxing shut down last March due to the deadly virus when he takes on No. 1 WBO bantamweight contender Joshua Greer Jr.
The 10-rounder will be held at a catchweight of 120 pounds.
“I am so lucky to be the first fighter from the Philippines to be called to duty. As a warrior, it is my pleasure to come out and see action, especially with an elite fighter like Joshua Greer,” Plania said in a statement.
“I am aware of my underdog status in this fight, but it will serve as my inspiration to come out and win this big.”
The General Santos City native is on an eight-fight streak since suffering his only loss so far at the hands of Juan Carlos Payano two years ago.
Plania (23-1, 12 KOs) is coming off a unanimous decision win over Giovannie Guttierez last December in Miami.
The 23-year-old Plania has been training in Miami since February.
Greer (22-1, 12 KOs), the 25-year-old American, last fought in October when he beat Antonio Nieves for his 19th consecutive victory.
The clash between Plania and Greer is part of a series of fights by Top Rank beginning June 9 to mark boxing’s return since the pandemic began.
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