In recognition of its notable efforts to restore prominent boxing in Detroit, Salita Promotions has been honored with a “Certificate of Excellence” by the World Boxing Council (WBC). This initiative hit a milestone in June when Claressa Shields headlined the inaugural boxing event at Little Caesars Arena, the domicile of the Detroit Pistons and Detroit Red Wings, attended by over 11,000 fans.
Expressing gratitude for this prestigious accolade, Dmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions, appreciated WBC’s unwavering support in their mission to reestablish elite boxing in the champion city of Detroit.
Salita has been instrumental in bringing high-quality boxing back to the limelight in Detroit, a city renowned for fostering multiple boxing champions, including the Hall of Famer, Thomas “The Hitman” Hearns. The June event was not just a boxing spectacle, but also a cultural celebration, attracting citywide boxing stars and Detroit’s music icons like rapper Kash Doll and Motown legends The Four Tops.
Adding another first to their achievements, Salita was pivotal in making Shields the first female fighter to headline a premium television event, which took place at MGM Detroit in 2017. Salita’s commitment to nurturing fighters from scratch is evident through his “Detroit Brawl” series initiated in 2015, showcasing talents like Shields, ex-heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz, and heavyweight contender Otto Wallin.
Persisting with their efforts, Salita continues to promote emerging talents from Detroit and its neighboring regions. Heavyweight contender Jermaine Franklin, alongside promising prospects Joseph Hicks and Joshua Pagan, participated in a recent card held on July 15 in the city.
Echoing the rich boxing history of Detroit, Salita asserted, “The legacy of great champions produced by Detroit lays the groundwork for the future. Just as Detroit is renowned for producing US-made cars, I am confident that it will also be known as a boxing champion factory made in Detroit, Michigan. We are committed to nurturing talent, starting from amateurs and helping them rise to the ranks of world champion pros.”