Phillippou has rattled off five consecutive victories since suffering a split decision loss to the highly regarded Ricardo Romero in his professional debut in May 2008. The former Ring of Combat middleweight champion was born and raised in Greece but now trains under Ray Longo and former UFC welterweight champion Matt Serra. Phillippou, based in Merrick, N.Y., earned a unanimous decision over the previously unbeaten Victor O’Donnell in September.