Face Off

YourVisa: How was life growing up?

Phil Lo Greco: I was born in Toronto. My family and I went back to Italy and I returned to Canada at the age of 9. At that time, I couldn’t speak English and felt shy. This led to always hiding inside gyms because the other kids always made fun of me. While there, I started hitting punching bags, which sparked my interest in boxing.

YourVisa: Did you always have a passion for fitness/boxing?

Phil Lo Greco: As a child, I was always filled with energy, but didn’t know how to use it. That all ended when my father told me to take boxing more seriously. Which I did. My idol was Julio César Chávez, he inspired me to fight for the world title belt. Eat, sleep, train, repeat. These four magic words have been in my head since 1995. I trained hard every day, competition was always on my mind. I had a very successful amateur career in Canada. I represented Italy and Canada in the amateurs

I won the WBC International belt many years ago, which brought me to the top 10 in the world. But, my eyes always laid on the WBC World belt. My father has always been there to help me train to take me to the next level. At the end of the day, you can only count on a few people. I’m grateful to have my family’s support.

YourVisa: What do you enjoy about Canadian culture?

Phil Lo Greco: The positive community I had around also helped drive my boxing career. Growing up with friends from all ethnicities; Mexicans, Pakistanis, Jamaicans etc. gave me a wonderful insight in the multiculturalism Canada truly has to offer. The boxing gym was also a melting pot of cultures. Even though we had diverse backgrounds, we all spoke boxing.

YourVisa: What was the most anticipated boxing fight you had?

Phil Lo Greco: That has to be with Errol Spence Jr. I got the fight on a 48-hour notice as a replacement for his original opponent.  To date, Errol Spence Jr. is still one the most feared boxers. Many people don’t seem to give me as much credit for where it’s due. I lost 16 lbs in 2 days notice in preparation for the fight against the champion, and still won a couple of rounds.  

YourVisa: What do you enjoy about fighting in Canada vs. overseas?

Phil Lo Greco: I always enjoy fighting in Canada because it’s home. I’ve fought in Montreal and Niagara Falls. Also, I’m looking forward to hosting and promoting more boxing events in Niagara Falls under my own promotion company, just like how I am being promoted for my next debut against Amir Khan. Fighting overseas is great, there are different cities to explore and new fans to gain. I am excited to fight in London as it’s one of the hot spots for boxing fans.

YourVisa: What do you want to tell the people out there?

Phil Lo Greco: Many people don’t understand the trials and struggles one must endure before they step foot in the boxing ring. They just think you show up. They don’t know what it takes, they don’t know how hard it is, they don’t know how much weight was dropped for the fight, they don’t know all the punishment and bruises you had to face during training, they don’t know all the meals that you skipped, they don’t know all the hangouts and parties you declined because all your thinking about is fighting the guy who wants it just as bad as you do.

I’ve tasted defeat, I’ve tasted victory, I know what’s important (most of all, who’s important)

Thank you Canada for giving me a place to call home

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