Salita Promotions, not one to shy away from a spectacle, is gearing up to ignite the inaugural “Big Time Boxing USA” extravaganza, all set to dazzle fans live on DAZN. Picture this: a Tuesday night, February 20, where the chill of Michigan winter meets the heat of the ring. The main event? A 10-round, all-Michigan brawl where Flint’s very own Ardreal Holmes Jr., also known as “Bossman”, puts his USBA Super Welterweight Championship on the line against Detroit’s hard-hitter, Marlon Harrington. Get ready for a clash that’ll rock Wayne State Fieldhouse in Detroit to its core.
This event marks the kickoff of a thrilling partnership between Salita Promotions and DAZN. They’re mixing it up with both talent development and championship cards, starting at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. Co-headlining? None other than the unbeaten USBA Light Heavyweight Champion Ali Izmailov, who’s gearing up to exchange blows with Britton Norwood in a 10-round co-main event.
DAZN’s lineup also features a dust-up between two undefeated fighters: Joshua Pagan, Grand Rapids’ pride and a U.S. National Amateur Champion, versus Detroit’s Dwane Taylor in an eight-round lightweight bout. Plus, Da’Velle Smith from Dearborn is stepping up for a six-round middleweight fight. This night’s shaping up to be a buffet of boxing brawls!
For those eager to witness these gladiators in person, tickets are up for grabs online or at Wayne State Fieldhouse’s Box Office. And hey, this isn’t just any venue – it’s a debut for boxing at the Fieldhouse, home to the Detroit Pistons’ G-League squad, the Motor City Cruise.
Dmitriy Salita, the big boss at Salita Promotions, couldn’t contain his excitement about teaming up with DAZN and showcasing their fighters to a global audience. They’re kickstarting the “Big Time Boxing USA” series right in the heart of one of boxing’s most historic cities, Detroit, at one of its premier venues.
Alfie Sharman, the VP at DAZN, echoed the enthusiasm. With Salita’s exciting lineup and DAZN’s top-notch production, they’re poised to cook up something truly special.
The undercard? It’s loaded with talent. Joseph Hicks Jr., a powerhouse from Grand Rapids and a USA Olympic Team Captain, steps into a six-round super welterweight scrap. Juan Carrillo, the unbeaten WBO Intercontinental Light Heavyweight Champion, faces Florida’s Jose Cortes in an eight-round bout. And let’s not forget Luis Quintero from Mount Clemens, aiming to maintain his unbeaten record in a four-round super lightweight fight.
Holmes Jr., a towering southpaw and 2016 U.S. Olympic alternate, is fresh off a trio of impressive victories and is ready to defend his title on home soil. He’s confident that he’ll show everyone who’s boss in the 154-pound division.
Harrington, honing his skills at Detroit’s World’s Best Boxing Gym, enters the ring following two knockout victories, ready to bring the title back to Detroit with a bang.
Izmailov, originally from Russia and now calling Detroit home, has his eyes set on becoming the Undisputed Light Heavyweight World Champion. With a string of impressive wins, he’s looking to knock down anyone standing in his way.
Britton Norwood, coming off a three-fight winning streak, is training under the watchful eye of former world champion Joel Casamayor. He’s all set to turn the tables on Izmailov come fight night.
Then there’s the young gun Joshua Pagan, who racked up five wins in 2023, and Dwane Taylor, a knockout artist who’s demolished every opponent since turning pro. Expect fireworks when these two collide.
Finally, Da’Velle Smith, another unbeaten talent, aims to climb the ranks in 2024 after a knockout-filled 2023.