WORLD-RANKED super bantamweight “Magic” Mike Plania springs back into action before 2022 ends.
Plania locks horns with sturdy veteran Jeffrey Francisco in the main event of “Double Trouble” on Dec. 31 in Tagum City, Davao del Norte.
The 25-year-old Plania is eager to bounce back after losing his last fight. He lost to Ra’eese Aleem via a lopsided unanimous decision in a World Boxing Organization (WBO) North American Boxing Organization super bantamweight title fight in Los Angeles, California.
Despite the loss, Plania is still world-rated—No. 12 by the WBO, No. 13 by the International Boxing Federation (IBF) and No. 21 by the World Boxing Council (WBC).
The 29-year-old Francisco is currently in a slump, losing his last four contests. He’s coming off a split decision against Salatiel Amit on Oct. 1.
Francisco is known for his toughness. He’s only been knocked out just once in his career, in 2017, in the hands of Russian Valery Tretyakov.
Francisco has shared the ring with the likes of former world title challenger Jason Moloney, and prospects Gary Tamayo and Jhunrille Castino.
Plania is 26-2 with 13 knockouts, while Francisco is 15-6-1 with a knockout.
In the co-headliner, unbeaten prospect Ian Sampan faces off with journeyman Jason Tinampay for the World Boxing Foundation (WBF) super featherweight belt.
The 21-year-old Sampan won all three of his fights in 2022, wherein his latest is a second round knockout of Joe Tejones on Oct. 29.
Tinampay, in the meantime, won his last two fights. He knocked out Eric Pulgo and Dave Barlas.
Sampan is 7-0 with six knockouts, while Tinampay is 13-16-1 with 11 knockouts.
Former world title challenger Jayson Mama (17-1, 9 KOs), RV Deniega (7-0, 4 KOs), Jhunrick Carcedo (8-1, 8 KOs), Gabriel Tapales (2-1, 2 KOs), Michael Casama (8-1, 8 KOs) and Bryl Bayogos (3-0) are also seeing action in the undercard. (EKA)