MAGICAL NIGHT FOR MIKE PLANIA IN LAS VEGAS
By Carlos Costa
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 17 Jun 2020
WBA/IBF orld-rankedw Filipino 122-pounder Mike "Magic" Plania (24-1, 12 KO's) of General Santos City, scored a convincing 10-round majority decision win over American Joshua Greer Jr. tonight at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, USA, inching closer to a world title shot.
From the getgo, the more aggressive 23-year-old Pinoy warrior born in the Tuna Capital of the Philippines, made perfect use of his superior firepower dropping the Chicago native with a big and wide left hook sending Greer (22-2-1, 12 KO's) backwards down to the blue MGM Grand canvas.
Later on in the battle, another tough attack propelled Greer to the floor, putting the Mindanao boy ahead on points.
Still, one of the judges saw the match a draw.
Official numbers were judge Tim Cheatham 96-92, Patricia Morse Jarman 97-91 and Dave Moretti 94-94.
Plania Drops, decisions Greer today in Las Vegas.
It was second loss in Greer's boxing career, a setback that will likely remove him as #1 contender in the WBO.
In contrast, it was "Magic" Plania's 6th win in the USA, and today's headlining victory put him in excellent position to be a challenger for a 122-pound world title.
Prior to defeating Greer, the Filipino outpointed Nicaraguan Giovanni Gutierrez (10-1, 6 KO's ) in Miami. Plania have also stopped journeyman Julio Buitrago, decisioned Argentinian Matias Agustin Arriagada and defeated Mexican Juan Antonio Lopez in Los Angeles.
Six victories in the U.S.A., and the skilled Plania wants more.
Meanwhile, Greer - who looked effective in the final rounds - will have to get back to the drawing board, though it is sure that he is coming down in the world rankings.
Slightly shorter than Plania, the 26-year-old Joshua Greer Jr., has been the reigning WBO NABO 118-pound champion.
The pressing forward Plania - who is currently IBF # 12 as well as WBA # 10 super bantamweight. - might likely be included in the WBO as well as the WBC rankings as well.
Indeed, next month, the promising Mindanao boxer might appear ranked in all four major sanctioning bodies, a step closer to a rumble for the world title in the super bantamweight division.
Mike Plania's convincing win today (Wednesday morning here in Asia) was promoted by Bob Arum's Top Rank and was aired live on ESPN.
The author Carlos Costa of Panama is a veteran fight reporter living in Cebu. Carlos can be reached at carlos512@hotmail.com, whatsapp 09184538152 and Twitter: @CarlosCostaBox.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
A night of power, legacy, and UAE pride: IBA Men’s World Boxing Championships opens in spectacular fashion in Dubai
Wed, 03 Dec 2025OKC Thunder is NBA 2025-2026 Strongest Team
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 03 Dec 2025Who was Clever Sison?
By Joaquin Henson, Wed, 03 Dec 2025MATCHROOM BOXING RETURNS TO FONTAINEBLEAU LAS VEGAS WITH MURATALLA-CRUZ FIGHT, JAN. 24, 2026
Wed, 03 Dec 2025TRAINING CAMP NOTES: Undefeated Featherweight Luis Nuñez Prepares for Hector Sosa Showdown on PBC on Prime Video
Wed, 03 Dec 2025Darry Bernardo, 4 other Pinoys in hot start in 3rd Asian Chess Championship 2025 for players with disabilities
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 03 Dec 2025Two Pacquiaos on same card?
By Joaquin Henson, Tue, 02 Dec 2025OLYMPIC BOXING 4: 1924 OLYMPICS AT PARIS, FRANCE
By Maloney L. Samaco, Tue, 02 Dec 2025Cebuana Lhuillier-Backed UTP National Team Shines at 40th Penang Open, Captures Multiple Titles
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 02 Dec 2025WBC 63th Annual Convention Opens in Bangkok
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Tue, 02 Dec 2025Undefeated Brooklyn heavyweight prospect Pryce Taylor closing out a strong 2026
Tue, 02 Dec 2025USA Boxing Announces Partnership with Xempower USA
Tue, 02 Dec 2025THE RING 6: TEOFIMO-SHAKUR SET FOR JANUARY SHOWDOWN IN NEW YORK
Tue, 02 Dec 2025Undefeated Middleweight Dante Kirkman Set to Return December 11 in Costa Mesa
Tue, 02 Dec 2025Dejon Farrell Francis Turning Things Around
Tue, 02 Dec 2025