FOLLOWING a tough setback in 2022, “Magic” Mike Plania is working his way back to the top of the super bantamweight division. But Plania has to get past a tough test in veteran Mark Anthony Geraldo if he wants to get back to the world championship level.
The 26-year-old Plania takes on Geraldo on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, in an eight-rounder at the Sanman Gym in General Santos City
“This is not an easy fight for Mike but this is the way back to the top. We want him to develop from every fight,” Sanman Promotions chief executive officer JC Manangquil told SunStar Cebu.
Plania was one of the country’s most promising names after he beat elite bantamweight Joshua Greer Jr. by majority decision in 2020 in the US. He followed it up with a unanimous decision over Emmanuel Mogawa in the Philippines and an impressive first-round stoppage of former world title challenger Ricardo Nuñez. He was then highly rated in the world and fought budding star Ra’eese Aleem last year in the US. Plania was totally dominated by Aleem and lost by a lopsided unanimous decision that stalled his career.
Plania, who now trains under the guidance of Nonito Donaire Sr., bounced back with a first-round knockout of Jeffrey Francisco in Tagum City on Dec. 31, 2022.
The 31-year-old Geraldo should be a good gauge on what level Plania is at his career right now.
Geraldo has fought some of the best in the lower weight divisions. He beat former world champion Jerwin Ancajas and has fought but lost to the likes of current World Boxing Association (WBA) bantamweight champion Takuma Inoue and former world titleholders McJoe Arroyo and Oleydong Sithsamerchai.
Geraldo, however, dropped his last three contests against Ludumo Lamati, Ryuto Owan and undefeated Pinoy up-and-comer Carl Jammes Martin.
Plania is currently ranked No. 14 by the International Boxing Federation (IBF) and No. 22 by the World Boxing Council.
Plania is 27-2 with 14 knockouts, while Geraldo is 38-12-3 with 19 knockouts.
Manangquil plans to bring Plania back to the US if he wins impressively against Geraldo.
Gabriel Tapales (3-1, 3 KOs) trades leathers with Jegear Bereno (3-3-3) in a six-rounder.
The 20-year-old Gabriel is the younger brother of WBA and IBF super bantamweight champion Marlon Tapales.
Also in the same card is a four-round battle between Ricky Cristobal (1-1) and Milbert Basilisco (0-1). (EKA)