Plania, Duno suffer stinging knockout defeats in Florida

Mike Plania (left) grimaces in pain after absorbing a shot to the liver while Romero Duno (right) failed to beat the count as both Pinoy boxers lost their respective bouts via knockout in the United States. | Screen grab from the fight card’s live stream.

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Sanman boxers Mike Plania and Romero Duno suffered stinging knockouts in their respective bouts in Plant City, Florida on January 31 (February 1, Manila time). 

Plania who returned to the United States after spending the last part of 2023 in the Philippines, suffered a third round knockout against former world champion Angelo Leo of the United States in the main event.

Meanwhile, Duno who hasn’t fought since October 2022, was stopped in the sixth round by Mexican Antonio Moran. 

Plania who was eyeing back-to-back wins following his knockout victory last December against fellow Filipino Daniel Nicolas, was finished off with a vicious liver shot at the 2:27 mark of the third round. 

READ: Plania takes on ex-world champ in Florida 

The 26-year-old Plania of General Santos City started off strong with his in-and-out style to land his combinations.

However, Leo, a former WBO world super bantamweight champion tagged him with hooks to the head and body in the ensuing rounds. 

Leo dominated the latter part of the second round after finding an opening to Plania’s defense. He carried his momentum into the third round by throwing more power punches.

Leo sneak in a left hook to Plania’s midsection sending Plania on his knees in agonizing pain. The referee gave Plania the mandatory 10 count, but the Filipino boxer was too hurt to continue. 

Plania absorbed his fourth defeat with 29 wins and 16 knockouts, while Leo improved to a 23-1 (win-loss) record with 11 knockouts. 

On the other hand, Moran dominated Duno in their bout. 

READ: Bernaldez, Duno dump foes in US fights

Moran used his height and reach advantage to land his jabs and straights. 

Duno who was busier between the two in the early rounds, started to buckle from Moran’s pressure and volume of punches. 

Moran sensing victory, upped his tempo in the fifth round, while Duno was forced to defend most of the time. 

Moran landed a left hook to Duno’s body that downed the latter. Duno was able to get back on his feet and finish the round. 

The 30-year-old Mexican threw the same punch in the sixth round, but this time, it landed on Duno’s face, sending the latter down on the canvas for the second time. Duno didn’t bother getting up prompting the referee to stop the bout and award the K.O. win to Moran. 

Moran earned his 30th win with 21 knockouts, six losses, and one draw. Duno logged his fourth defeat with 26 wins and 20 knockouts.

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