MIKE Plania is in for a tough assignment against fellow world-ranked Elijah Pierce in a crucial fight on Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023 (PH time), at the Overtime Elite Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.
After hitting a roadblock in 2022, following a unanimous-decision defeat to Ra’eese Aleem, Plania won two straight fights.
He stopped veterans Mark Anthony Geraldo and Jeffrey Francisco both in the first round.
Plania is also now working under the guidance of veteran coach Nonito Donaire Sr., who molded the hall-of-fame worthy career of his son Nonito Donaire Jr.
“We are ready,” Donaire Sr., told SunStar Cebu. “He’s a good fighter. He’s ranked by the WBO (World Boxing Organization) and WBC (World Boxing Council).”
Pierce is an up-and-coming American fighter that’s currently ranked No. 14 by the WBC and No. 15 by the WBO.
The 26-year-old Pierce is a winner of his last eight fights and is coming off a huge win over one-time world title challenger Tremaine Williams, who he beat by unanimous decision last April 22.
The 26-year-old Plania is also world-rated in the super bantamweight division.
He’s ranked No. 14 by the International Boxing Federation and No. 22 by the WBC.
A win over Pierce should boost Plania’s position in the super bantamweight ladder.
Donaire Sr. started working as Plania’s coach this year.
Plania has been sparring with the likes of former world champion Jerwin Ancajas for this fight.
Plania is 28-2 with 15 knockouts, while Pierce is 17-2 with 14 knockouts. (EKA)