Matt Greer has never been knocked down, but the 32-year-old heavyweight has been knocked around.

Greer (12-4, 11 knockouts) of St. Louis will be Brian Minto's opponent in the main event of a pro-am boxing card April 17 at the Butler Days Inn.

"He's a big guy looking for a big win. And I know he's a tough guy," Minto said. "He can take a punch."

The bout is scheduled for eight rounds. Minto's WBA Fedecentro title belt won't be on the line.

The 6-foot-2, 235-pound Greer lost by TKO in the third round of his last fight Nov. 7 against undefeated Kevin Johnson (20-0). The fight was stopped because of cuts to Greer's face.

Greer has gone the distance against David Cadieux (17-3), a word-class heavyweight whom the 34-year-old Minto has sparred with.

"I know how hard Cadieux hits," Minto said. "I'm impressed that this guy only lost an eight-round decision to him."

Greer's four losses have come against fighters with a combined 44-1-2 record. Cadieux was 10-1 when he fought Greer.

First contacted by Minto's manager, Pat Nelson, Tuesday, Greer said he didn't hesitate to grab the opportunity to fight Minto (32-2, 21 KO).

"It's a win-win situation for me," Greer said. "I've got nothing to lose here. I'm getting a decent payday, and if my right hand connects and I knock him out, my life changes."

Greer hired a full-time manager two weeks ago and was looking for a big-time opponent when he received the offer from Minto's camp.

"I've never trained for a fight the right way until now," he said. "I'm using my earnings through boxing to make a better life for myself. I was looking to fight a Joe Mesi-type and Brian fits that description."

Greer said fans can expect to see a fight, not a boxing match.

"It's going to be a brawl," he promised. "I'm coming straight at him from the opening bell. Whether I win in the first round or the sixth, I get paid the same. I'd just as soon get it done early."

Greer is ranked 156th out of 1,100 heavyweights in the world by boxrec.com. Minto is ranked 57th.

While Minto has had 152 rounds of pro boxing, Greer has had 50.

Nelson described Greer as "not a 'household' name. ... He is big, strong and durable."

"My chin's pretty decent," Greer said. "This is the matchup I've been looking for. I feel like I've got a good chance against this guy in a slugfest."

Before losing to Johnson, Greer had won five consecutive fights. His last win was a fifth-round TKO over Kerry Biles (9-13-2). The other four wins were all knockouts in the first or second round.

Greer has not defeated an opponent with more than nine professional wins.

Lou Savarese (46-7, 38 KOs) decided not to fight Minto on a card that wasn't being televised.

"Money wasn't an issue with him and he almost came here," Nelson said. "Now we're looking at Savarese as a summer opponent for Brian at Pullman Park. We think we can make that happen."

Other pro bouts on the Minto-Greer card include heavyweight Paul Zalus, a former Butler County Community College student who is making his pro debut against Damian Clement (0-1) of Dayton, Ohio, and Sam Suska of Pittsburgh facing Russ Niggemyer of Columbus, Ohio, in a battle of debuting middleweights.

The remainder of the 12-bout card will be amateur fights.

Tickets are $35 for general admission, $750 for ringside tables and are available at the Butler Days Inn, 724-287-6761, or East Side Tattoo at 234 N. Main St. in Butler. For VIP ringside tickets, call 724-321-3688.