BY NICK GIONGCO
Mike Plania appears in a landmark show of Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum on Wednesday at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Plania faces American Joshua Greer in a 10-round battle of world-rated bantamweights in Top Rank’s third card since boxing’s return under strict safety protocols in the coronavirus era.
A few days ago, Plania, who has fought in the US five times, touched down in Sin City and during fight night, he will have Cuban strategist Moro Fernandez as the man calling the shots in the corner.
Plania is 23-1 with 12 KOs while Greer, from Chicago, is 22-1-1 with 12 KOs. Plania’s chief handler, JC Mananquil of General Santos City, will remain in the Philippines owing not only to travel restrictions but the unavailability of flights as well.
Arum is closely working with the Nevada Athletic Commission in observing the health guidelines and the first two took place last week.
No spectators and media are in attendance as only commission personnel, judges, TV crew, select members of the promotional outfit and limited number of the fighters’ entourage are allowed to take part physically.
Top Rank has several events lined up in the next three months with a target of holding meaningful world title fights in August or September.
World champions Jerwin Ancajas and John Riel Casimero are hoping that they will be included in promotions down the road.
Ancajas, the current International Boxing Federation super-fly titleholder is ready to fly to the US anytime while Casimero, the reigning World Boxing Organization bantam supremo, is already neck-deep in training in Las Vegas.
