SAN JUAN, P.R. (October 2, 2024) – Undefeated Joshua James Pagan (10-0, 4 KOs) will take on hard-hitting veteran Haskell Rhodes (31-6, 16 KOs) in a newly announced main event in the next edition of “BIG TIME BOXING USA” at the iconic Coca-Cola Music Hall in San Juan, P.R., on Friday, October 18.
The Oklahoma native and Las Vegas-trained Rhodes, 36, steps in for Trevor Thonson, who faced travel issues forcing him to pull out of the scheduled 10-round bout in the lightweight division that will air live globally on DAZN.
The Michigan-born Pagan is of Puerto Rican descent and this weekend will continue his training camp at Ivan Calderon’s renowned gym in San Juan. He goes by the moniker “Double J”, and has impressed fans and pundits through his first 10 professional bouts, especially with his most recent victory in May, a close unanimous decision win over then undefeated prospect Roger Hilley. Pagan currently holds the Junior NABF Super Lightweight title belt and is trained by his father, Victor Pagan.
Dmitriy Salita of Salita Promoations said the experienced Rhodes will offer a stiff challenge to the young and up-and-coming 24-year-old Pagan. “Haskell Rhodes has notable wins and battles against past world champions and top contenders,” Salita said. “He presents a stylistic and seasoned challenge to Joshua Pagan, who has already beaten four undefeated opponents in his first 10 fights. Rhodes is battle-tested and durable, and this bout will be must-see TV on Octobert 18.”
In addition, Salita announced that Da’Velle Smith (9-0, 7 KOs) of Taylor, Mich., will contest a middleweight bout at six rounds with an opponent to be named. Smith is coming off an impressive fourth-round stoppage over Esau Herrera De La Cruz in Flint, Mich., and on DAZN. The televised portion of the night of fights begins at 9 pm ET/6 pm PT and will include local Allen Morales from Catano, Puerto Rico, in the opener making his professional debut in a four-round bantamweight bout against an opponent to be determined.
Rhodes has won both fights he has contested in 2024. In his last outing on August 31, Rhodes took out Jonathan Perez with a first-round knockout, and in April he did the same against Julio Buitrago needing three rounds
In the October 18 co-feature from the Caribbean island’s new marquee arena, Juan Carrillo (12-0, 9 KO) will face Lenin Castillo (25-5-1, 19 KO) in a 10-round light heavyweight bout. The remainer of the fight card, up to eight bouts in all, are to be announced. Tickets are on sale now at www.ticketera.com and the venue’s official website: www.cocacolamusichall.com.
The event is promoted by Salita Promotions in collaboration with PR Best Boxing Promotions (PRBBP) and 21 Events and is part of Salita Promotions’ burgeoning “Big Time Boxing USA” series, the leading developmental series for promising prospects and young contenders on their journey toward a world championship.
ABOUT SALITA PROMOTIONS:
Salita Promotions was founded in 2010 by Dmitriy Salita, a professional boxer and world-title challenger who saw the need for a promotional entity to feature boxing’s best young prospects and established contenders in North America and around the world. Viewers watching fighters on worldwide television networks including SHOWTIME, HBO, ESPN, Spike TV, Universal Sports Network, UFC Fight Pass, DAZN, ESPN+ and MSG have enjoyed Salita Promotions fight action in recent years. We pride ourselves on offering our fighters opportunities inside and outside the ring. Salita Promotions looks forward to continuing to grow and serve the needs of fight fans around the globe.
ABOUT PR BEST BOXING:
PR Best Boxing Promotions was founded in February 2001 by Peter and Ivan Rivera with its first boxing show being on May 20 of that same year, broadcasted live internationally on the Telefutura network. PRBBP has worked and developed great Puerto Rican world champions such as Hall of Famers Miguel Cotto and Iván Calderón as well as Román “Rocky” Martínez, Eric Morel and Juan Manuel “Juanma” López among others. Considered the best boxing promotion company in Puerto Rico, PRBBP has presented boxing cards broadcast by the best TV networks such as ESPN, Univision, Showtime, Telefutura, HBO and PPV events. PRBBP presented the first boxing event broadcast live on the ESPN network from Puerto Rico, also the first boxing broadcast by the PPV system from the Island and presented the first sports event at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot.
ABOUT 21 EVENTS:
21 Events, a fully integrated Latino marketing firm with 20 years of experience in producing marketing solutions and events in Sports and Entertainment that drive measurable results for our fortune 500 clients seeking true engagement with Latino consumers.
ABOUT COCA-COLA MUSIC HALL:
The Coca-Cola Music Hall (CCMH) is a property managed by ASM Global, located at 250 Convention Boulevard, San Juan, Puerto Rico. It was developed by PRISA Group and its construction was completed in 2020. Naming rights were sold to The Coca-Cola Company in 2019. This venue is known for being a modern, hip, and state-of-the-art facility, that incorporates artistic and cultural elements characteristic of Puerto Rico. The property features three levels and can accommodate up to 4,000 people seated.
ABOUT PRCCDA:
Puerto Rico Convention Center District Authority (PRCCDA) is a public corporation created under Law Number 351 of September 2nd of 2000, as amended. Its mission is to develop and operate the Convention District, positioning Puerto Rico as a world-class business, tourism, and entertainment destination. PRCCDA’s objectives include efficiently managing prominent venues, revitalizing urban areas, promoting job creation and business opportunities, and acting as a facilitator in partnership with the private sector.
