Brandon Moore won a 10-round unanimous decision over DeAndre Savage in a heavyweight bout at the Fox Theatre in Detroit.

In round seven, Moore landed a chopping right to the side of the head the put Savage on the canvas.

Moore, 236.4 lbs of Polk County, FL won by scores of 100-89 twice and 99-90 and is now 19-1. Savage, 293.4 lbs of Flint, MI is 10-1.

“I am very happy with my performance. I came out here and got a spectacular and graceful win,” said Moore. “I knew he wouldn’t be able to move with me, and it was probably my easiest win. I would have liked to earn the stoppage, but I feel great about it. I boxed really well. And I loved being at the Fox Theatre. The Temptations, the Four Tops and now OJ Bam Moore.

“I am ready for what’s next and I want to fight Anthony Joshua,” he concluded. “I am going to speak it into existence.”

Scott and Curry Battle to Majority Draw in Unified Middleweight Title bout

Olivia Curry and Kaye Scott fought 10 an entertaining 10-round draw in a battle for the WBA/WBC Middleweight titles.

In round three, Curry was cut along the right eye from a head butt.

Scott won a scorecard 98-92 and two cards were even at 95-95.

Curry ,158.1 lbs of Chicago is 7-0-1. Scott, 158.8 lbs of Sydney, AUS is 4-1-1.

“I always feel grateful when both fighters come out safely and put on an entertaining fight. But I want to run it back,” said Curry. “She came with volume and used her amateur experience to throw a ton of little flurries. About halfway through, I made an adjustment and committed to the body more and increased my volume to edge out some of the later rounds.”

Da’Velle Smith Stops Janer Gonzalez in two

Da’Velle Smith remained undefeated with a second round stoppage of Janer Gonzalez in an eight-round light heavyweight bout

In round two, Smith put Gonzalez down with a left hook. Seconds later, ,it was a bigger left hook that put Gonzalez down for the 10-count at 2:59.

Smith, 171 lbs of Detroit is 14-0 with nine knockouts. Gonzalez, 167.2 lbs of Colombia is 24-9-1.

“I am feeling great, confident, and ready for what’s next,” said Smith, who is trained by the world renowned SugarHill Steward. “I was looking for the big punch early. But my coach told me to settle down and work the jab, throw some hooks and we got him out of there.

“It felt amazing to fight in that legendary building. It’s a great honor to fight in the city of Detroit and to fight at the Fox Theatre.”

Simmons Decisions Riley

Sardius Simmons won a six-round unanimous decision over Lemir Isom-Riley in a heavyweight bout.

Simmons, 219 lbs of Flint, MI won by scores of 59-55 and 58-56 twice and is now 4-0. Riley, 262 lba of Harrisburg, PA is 5-7.

DETROIT (September 17, 2025) – The stage is set for Salita Promotions’ fight week in the Motor City as the spotlight burned bright at the historic Fox Theatre today. USBA Heavyweight Champion Brandon ‘OJ Bam’ Moore (18-1, 10 KOs) and Flint’s undefeated knockout artist DeAndre Savage (10-0, 10 KOs) ignited the press conference drama ahead of Salita Promotions Big Time Boxing USA’s Sept. 19 return, streaming live worldwide on DAZN, the global home of boxing. They were joined by Kronk legend SugarHill Steward, middleweight title contenders Olivia Curry (7-2, 2 KOs) and Australia’s Kaye Scott (4-1), rising super middleweight Da’Velle Smith (13-0, 8 KOs), and promoter Dmitriy Salita.

The event is promoted by Salita Promotions with special thanks to sponsors OnlyFans, M Life Luxury Water, Fight For Mental Health, Generations, and Lush Lawn. Comerica Bank is the exclusive presenting partner of the Fox Theatre. Tickets can be purchased online via 313presents.com and ticketmaster.com.

SugarHill opened the event by honoring Detroit’s storied boxing tradition, reflecting on his roots in the Kronk Gym and lessons passed down from his uncle, Emanuel Steward:

“When you got in the ring with a Kronk fighter or someone from Detroit, you knew it was going to be a tough fight,” said Steward. “Everyone knew the Detroit name carried weight.” After an injury cut short his own time in the ring, he carried forward his uncle Emanuel Steward’s legacy as a trainer, grounded in one simple lesson: “Teach them the basics. The proper jab, the proper right hand, and most important, balance. I’ve carried that into every fighter I’ve trained since.”

Tying the moment to Detroit’s resurgence, SugarHill pointed to the city’s recent momentum: “We just had a great show at Little Caesars Arena, and it reminded me of the old days, how excited the city was for boxing. And now here we are at the Fox Theatre, a place that has history of its own. To be back here means everything. We’ve got the heavyweights here — knockout artists. I expect some big knockouts and great fights. Welcome to Detroit. Welcome to big-time boxing. This is where it happens.”

Tensions escalated when Moore and Savage went face-to-face on stage, exchanging verbal jabs vowing to deliver a dominant performance:

“It’s a blessing to be here at the Fox Theatre,” said Moore. “I’m going to bless you guys with a great performance. I’m extremely excited to share the ring with De’Andre Savage. You’re looking at one of the greatest American heavyweights of the sport right now, Brandon Moore! I know you’ve seen my last few fights and what I’ve done to these guys. This is going to be a very easy, tactical fight. Savage says it only takes one punch, but he’s going to have to find it. This will be a classic night of boxing at Fox Theatre. Polk County, Florida in the building. I want to thank Savage for sharing the ring, and hopefully we can be friends afterwards. I’m like Thanos, coming in and collecting these infinity stones. I hope he’s ready for Friday night, he wants my belt, but the only belt he’s going to get is this belt to his a**.”

The undefeated knockout Heavyweight artist, De’Andre Savage countered with fire of his own, promising fireworks:

“God is the greatest, and it’s an honor to be here fighting at the Fox Theatre, ” said Savage. “Coming from Flint, I represent the struggle. On September 19, y’all are about to see fireworks. I’m predicting I will knock Brandon Moore out by the sixth round. This is the biggest fight of my career, and I’m ready to make a statement in the heavyweight division. I want to thank everyone for coming out, this is Flint Town, y’all!”

Promoter Dmitriy Salita underscored the significance of the Fox Theatre event, framing it as part of Detroit’s boxing resurgence:

“Fans here at the Fox Theatre and those watching on DAZN are going to get an incredible, historic experience — not only in the ring, but in the atmosphere of this world-class card,” said Salita. “In the main event, USBA Heavyweight Champion Brandon Moore is putting it all on the line against Flint’s undefeated knockout artist DeAndre Savage, who’s looking to keep his streak alive. The co-main event is a Unified Middleweight World Championship fight that will bring even more prestige to the division, and we have top prospects like Detroit’s own Da’Velle Smith and Sardius Simmons making their mark on the national stage.

“This fight card could easily be in Las Vegas or New York City, but we are committed to rebuilding Detroit’s legacy as one of boxing’s historic hometowns. On September 19th, fans will experience a truly unique event — world-class boxing inside the ring, set in one of the nation’s most historic premier venues. It will be an unforgettable night, both for those in attendance and those watching live on DAZN.”

313 Presents President Howard Handler, who oversees the Fox Theatre, spoke to the venue’s pride in hosting such a historic night:

“Detroit’s crowned jewel, the Fox Theatre, has long been a stage for unforgettable performances, and it welcomes a new chapter with Big Time Boxing,” said Handler. “We are proud to partner once again with Salita Promotions, whose commitment to restoring Detroit’s boxing legacy has brought us a night of world-class competition. From a sold-out Little Caesars Arena this past July to this Friday’s showcase, our shared vision is helping reignite the passion for boxing across Southeast Michigan. Detroit is a sports city. It’s a fight city, and on Friday, the Fox Theatre becomes the epicenter of that energy.”

Chicago’s Olivia Curry expressed her excitement and determination heading into the Unified WBA/WBC Middleweight World Championship co-feature:

“I’m so excited to be here, and I’m grateful to Salita Promotions for having us on this card, ” said Curry. “I feel like I’m finally getting the shot I’ve been working toward for a long time. As you can tell, my favorite colors are green and gold — and that belt sitting right there feels like it’s meant to be mine. That’s exactly what I’m going to do, take it home. Kaye said we’re going to war, and she’s right. We’re going to war. Don’t miss it.”

Australia’s Kaye Scott, who faces Curry for the Unified Middleweight World Championship, spoke with excitement about fighting on such a historic stage:

“I’m so excited to be here in Detroit,” said Scott. “I’ve been in the city for nearly a week now, and I’m just amazed by this venue. The history and culture inside the Fox Theatre gave me goosebumps the moment I walked in. It’s made me even more pumped for Friday night. I’m prepared, I’m ready to go to war in there, and I know I can match what Olivia brings and more. I’m bringing those belts back home to Australia.”

Detroit’s own super middleweight prospect Da’Velle Smith shared his excitement for the hometown spotlight:

“I’m very excited and honored to be here, fighting in a beautiful venue like this in front of all my friends, family, and the Detroit fight fans,” said Smith. “I’m blessed to have a great promoter and a great team making this all happen. Don’t go to the bathroom, get your popcorn, and be ready when I step in the ring, it’s going to be an electric, beautiful night, and I can’t wait to put on a show for everybody.”

Salita Promotions presents BIG TIME BOXING USA live from the iconic Fox Theatre in downtown Detroit, streaming worldwide on DAZN, the global home of boxing, this Friday, Sept. 19. Doors open at 5 p.m., with a stacked undercard kicking off at 6 p.m. DAZN’s live coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT and will feature four action-packed bouts. Tickets can be purchased online via 313presents.com and ticketmaster.com.

# # #?

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.

Check the?Salita?Promotions?YOUTUBE CHANNEL?for regular updates of the modern world’s greatest fighters, contenders and prospects in action. 

DETROIT (September 2, 2025) – Salita Promotions will showcase Michigan’s premier, top-rated prospects and contenders under one iconic roof for an unforgettable night of fights on Friday, September 19, at the historic Fox Theater in downtown Detroit. The BIG TIME BOXING USA event features many of Detroit’s brightest prospects including Da’Velle Smith, Savannah Tini, Sardius Simmons, and Kahmel Makled, ahead of the doubleheader main event: USBA Heavyweight Champion Brandon “OJ Bam” Moore (18-1, 10 KOs) versus undefeated knockout artist DeAndre Savage (10-0, 10 KOs) and Chicago’s Olivia Curry (7-2, 2 KOs) against Australia’s Kaye Scott (4-1) for the Unified WBA/WBC Middleweight World Championship.

The event, sponsored by M Select Luxury Water, will stream live on the global leader of boxing, DAZN. Comerica Bank is the exclusive presenting partner of the Fox Theatre. Tickets can be purchased online via 313presents.com and ticketmaster.com.

Super Middleweight contender Da’velle Smith (13-0, 8KO’s) of Troy, returns to his hometown following a unanimous decision victory over Martez McGregor on the undercard of Claressa Shields’ July event at Little Caesars Arena. A rangy fighter with a stiff jab and explosive combinations, Smith has stopped more than half of his opponents and continues to sharpen under the tutelage of world renowned trainer Sugar Hill. At just 25, Smith already displays the poise of a seasoned contender while climbing the rankings.

“After my fight in July, I’m excited to be back in the ring fighting in my hometown, especially at the Fox Theatre,” said Smith. “It’s an honor to be a part of the rich boxing history in Detroit. I feel like I’m carrying the torch well for my city. I’m doing what I’m supposed to do in camp. I’m locked in and I’m going to show everyone I’m getting better with each fight.”

Heavyweight prospect Sardius Simmons (3-0, 2 KOs) of Flint is quickly becoming one of the most active big men in the region since signing with Salita Promotions earlier this year. Fighting out of the legendary Berston Fieldhouse, home to several of Michigan’s most decorated fighters and world champions, Simmons is fresh off a second-round knockout of Randolph Shaw this past weekend, further building his reputation as a powerful hometown puncher. Simmons is set to face Lemir Isom-Riley (5-6, 2KO’s) in what promises to be a high-action bout.

“It feels good fighting home,” said Simmons. “There’s nothing like having my family in the stands support me. It’s time to bring the American heavyweight division back. On September 19th, fans will leave entertained and become new fans of mine.”

Also representing Troy, undefeated welterweight prospect Savannah Tini (5-0, 2KO’s) returns to the ring after her unanimous decision win in June over Simone Di Silva. The twenty-five-year-old, known for her accuracy in the ring, will make her fourth appearance fighting in the Motor City, putting her undefeated record on the line against Brazil’s Michaele Nogue (2-6-1).

“It feels amazing to be fighting at home in Detroit again. It’s an honor to fight at the Fox Theater. I’ve been on the road for the past year where I was able to get used to being somewhat uncomfortable. Now, it’s time to come home and put on a show for my city. I want people to talk about my fights and how exciting they are. I’m coming to dominate. I’m the future of boxing.”

Light Heavyweight prospect Kahmel Makled (3-0, 3 KOs) fighting out of Macomb, Mich., returns after a sensational knockout performance in July on Claressa Shields’ undercard at Little Caesars Arena. A two-time Detroit Golden Gloves champion, Makled has ended each of his three pro fights inside the distance. He combines patience with explosive finishing power. In his last outing, a viral first-round knockdown and third-round stoppage underscored his reputation as a must-watch knockout artist. He now looks to extend his streak with another emphatic performance against Christian Juresic (2-1) on Sept. 19th.

“It’s an honor to be fighting in Detroit again,” said Makled. “My last fight was at LCA on the Claressa card July 26 and I got a crazy highlight KO-1 that’s at over 1 million views on social media. I always want people to get their money’s worth when they see me fight. On Sept. 19, I’m going to give another exciting performance. I’m going out for another highlight reel. Without the support I receive from family, friends and fans who come out to see me, none of this would be possible.”

Also featured on the special Friday night fight card will be highly decorated amateur Jasmine Hampton of Ann Arbor, Mich., making her professional debut. A finalist at the 2023 U.S. National Olympic Team Trials, Hampton is one of the most popular fighters in a region of the country that’s known for producing great boxers. Hampton will make her pro debut at junior featherweight (122 lbs) against an opponent to be determined.

# # #?

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.

Check the?Salita?Promotions?YOUTUBE CHANNEL?for regular updates of the modern world’s greatest fighters, contenders and prospects in action. 

Ardreal Holmes Jr. won a 10-round unanimous decision over Edwin Junior Jimenez in a battle of undefeated junior middleweights in Flint, Michigan.

Holmes, 153.4 lbs of Flint won by scores of 97-93 on all cards and is now 17-0. Jimenez, 153.2 lbs of Santo Domingo, DR is 9-1.

Joey Spencer won a 10-round majority decision over Miguel Hernandez in a middleweight bout.

Spencer, 159 lbs of Linden, MI won by scores of 98-92, 97-93 and 95-95 and is now 19-1. Hernandez, 159.2 lbs of Dallas is 9-1.

Samantha Worthington remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Jaica Pavilus in a junior welterweight fight.

In round six, Worthington was cut along the left eye.

Worthington, 138.6 lbs of Lexington, KY won by scores of 59-55 on all cards and is now 10-0. Pavilus, 134 lbs of New York City is 4-7-1.

Da’Velle Smith remained undefeated with an eight-round majority decision over William Townsel in a super middleweight fight.

Smith, 164.6 lbs of Detroit won by scores of 78-74, 77-75 and 76-76 and is now 11-0. Townsel, 160.6 lbs of Portsmouth, VA is 8-2.

DETROIT (December 4, 2024)– Salita Promotions has announced the main and co-main opponents for local boxing standouts undefeated Ardreal “Bossman” Holmes Jr., from Flint and once-beaten and highly touted Joey Spencer from Fenton on Thursday, December 12^th in the return of “BIG TIME BOXING USA” to the Dort Financial Center in Flint, Mich.

Both Holmes (16-0, 6 KOs) and Spencer (18-1, 11 KOs) will face undefeated prospects in 10-round super welterweight and middleweight fights, respectively. In the main event Holmes continues his pursuit of a world title when he takes on the rugged, unbeaten 24-year-old Haitian Edwine Humaine Junior, from Springfield, Mass. Spencer will be put to the test against 26-year-old Miguel Angel Hernandez from Dallas, Texas. Humaine and Hernandez boast matching 9-0 records with seven KOs.

This will be the sixth BIG TIME BOXING USA card since the series launched and is inarguably the series’ strongest lineup to date from top to bottom. All the action takes place at Dort Financial Center in Flint, with the top four bouts now finalized and airing live on DAZN, the undisputed global home of boxing. Tickets for the event are on sale now and can be purchased online HERE or in-person at the Dort Financial Center Box Office. 

“This series is designed to build champions through competitive matchups, and this fight card exemplifies that mission,” Dmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions said. “With a combined record of 70 wins and just 2 losses among three of the televised bouts, the numbers speak for themselves. This fight card is packed with thrilling, evenly matched contests.

“For boxing to thrive, we must do two things. Most importantly, engage fans across the country by delivering world-class matchups featuring local talent with world championship potential. Michigan is a hotbed of exceptional talent and is serving as a proving ground for prospects on the rise. Secondly, promoting boxing means telling stories – on radio, in newspapers, on TV – and incorporating these elements into our series in order to drive success. As we close out 2024 with our best BIG TIME BOXING USA show to date, we’re building momentum heading into 2025 and continuing to establish this platform as the premier stage for talent development in boxing.”

Also featured on the televised card is undefeated Da’Velle Smith (10-0, 8 KOs) from Detroit who looks to extend his unbeaten streak when he takes on talented upstart William Townsel (8-1, 6 KOs) of Virgina Beach, Va., in an eight-round super middleweight opening TV bout on DAZN,

Surging talent Samantha Worthington (9-0, 7 KOs) from Folsom, Calif., by way of Lexington, Ky., posts a perfect record in the women’s super lightweight division and takes on Jaica Pavilus (4-6-1, 1 KO) of New York City. The 140-pound division is ruled by unified champion Katie Taylor who made headlines just two weeks ago with her close unanimous decision win over Amanda Serrano in one of the year’s best fights.

“All eyes in women’s boxing are on Katie Taylor at the moment, who I thought put on a great performance against Amanda Serrano,” Worthington said. “Both are true warriors of the sport, and I have so much respect for them. There’s nothing I want more than a future date with either Katie or Amanda and an impressive win December 12^th gets me that much closer to that goal.”

Worthington is ranked No. 2 in the IBF, No. 4 in the WBO and No. 6 in the WBC and WBA at 140 pounds and promoted by the “GWOAT”, unified women’s world champion and Flint native Claressa Shields and T-Rex Promotions.

Salita recently announced his new heavyweight signee Pryce Taylor (4-0, 2 KOs) out of Brooklyn, N.Y., who will make his debut under the Salita Promotions banner in a non-televised bout. Taylor is a former New York Golden Gloves champion and college basketball player with unlimited potential. He faces the untested KeShawn Jackson out of Kalamazoo, Mich.

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.

Joshua Pagan remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Haskell Rhodes in a lightweight fight at The Coca-Cola Music Hall in San Juan, Puerto Rico

In round five, Rhodes began to leak blood from his nostrils.

Pagan, 135 lbs of Grand Rapids, MI won by scores f 100-90 and 99-91 twice and is now 11-0. Rhodes, 135 lbs of Las Vegas is 31-7-1.

“It was amazing tonight, and the entire crowd was filled with just so much energy,” Pagan said. “I wanted to get the knockout, but he was just so experienced. I give him a lot of credit.

“I wish I would’ve had a couple more rounds,” Rhodes said in defeat. “It was a good fight. My hat’s off to Joshua. He fought a clean, smart fight. I love boxing and getting up every day and going to the gym. So I can’t wait to see what’s next for me.

Juan Carrillo won a 10-round unanimous decision over Lenin Castillo in a light heavyweight bout.

Carrillo, 174 lbs of Barranquilla, COL won by scores of 100-90, 99-91 and 98-92 and is now 13-0. Castillo, 174 lbs of Santo Domingo DR is 25-6-1.

“I was looking for the knockout and tried to get him out of there, but he was a tough opponent,” Carrillo said. “Hopefully, what’s next for me is an opponent with a big name.”

Kiria Tapia remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Beata Dudek in a super featherweight bout.

In round one, Tapia landed a little right to the body the bent Dudek over that was wrongly ruled a knockdown.

Tapia, 130 lbs of San Juan won by scores of 60-53 on all cards and is now 5-0. Dudek, 124 lbs of Miskoic, HUN is 4-5.

“I was happy to have all the support of my family and fans in attendance,” Tapia said. “I want to keep improving and progressing and my team and I are confident it could lead to a world title shot someday. The early knockdown set the tone for what I was able to do for the rest of the fight.”

Da’Velle Smith stopped Gilberto Santos in the opening round of their six-round super middleweight bout.

Smith dropped Santos with a wide right hand as Santos tried to boar in. Smith scored a second knockdown with a left. Smith landed another flurry that forced a stoppage at 2:28.

Smith, 166 lbs of Detroit is 10-0 with eight knockouts. Santos, 170 lbs of Goisa, BRA is 16-16.

“I felt amazing, and it was fun out there,” Smith said “It didn’t last long but I don’t get paid extra for overtime. I was able to show the fans in Puerto Rico and around the world just a bit of what I can bring. He came in overweight, but we didn’t complain. We just show up and win.”

Ardreal Holmes Jr. remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Hugo Noriega in a junior middleweight bout in Flint, Michigan.

Holmes, 153.4 lbs of Flint, MI won by scores of 97-93 twice and 96-94 and is now 16-0. Noriega, 153.2 lbs of Miami is 10-3,

Joseph Hicks remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous decision over Ronnie Austion in a junior middleweight bout.

Hicks. 155.8 lbs of Grand Rapids, MI won by scores of 80-72, 79-73 and 78-74 and is now 11-0. Austion, 155.8 lbs of Detroit is 10-3.

Da’Velle Smith remained undefeated with a fourth round stoppage over Esau Herrera De La Cruz in a six-round super middleweight bout.

In round one, Smith dropped De La Cruz with a right hand. In round three, Smith scored another knockdown with a right hand.

In round four, Smith landed an uppercut that put De La Cruz down to the 10-count at 1:08

Smith, 164.8 lbs of Inkster, MI is 9-0 with seven knockouts. De La Cruz, 165.8 lbs of Guadalajara, MEX is 21-18-1.

Leon Lawson III stopped Luis Alberto Veron in round four of their eight-round junior middleweight fight.

In round four, Lawson landed a big right had ro the forehead that sent Veron to the canvas and the fight was stopped at 37 seconds.

Lawson, 156 lbs of Flint, MI is now 16-1 with nine knockouts. Veron, 154.6 lbs of Jose Leon Suarez, ARG is 20-9-2.

NASHVILLE, TN. – August 9, 2023 – Exciting undefeated prospect Da’Velle Smith picked up his third victory of the year on Tuesday night, as the Saiita Promotions’ prospect delivered a third-round TKO of veteran Dedrick Bell in their middleweight clash that took place in Nashville, Tennessee. The stoppage came 2:59 into the round and improved Smith’s record to 6-0 with 5 KOs.

“It felt good to be back in the ring,” said Smith. “I knew I was in with a veteran and I was prepared to get some rounds in. I was patient and did what I had to do to get the victory. I want to keep the momentum going and hopefully get right back into the ring to fight again in September.”

Bell presented the most experienced challenge of Smith’s young career, as the 69-fight veteran has faced the likes of Yordenis Ugas, DeMarcus Corley and Jose Benavidez Jr. to name a few, throughout his career. The 22-year-old Smith first burst onto the scene in September 2021 by winning the WBC’s inaugural Big Belt Championship by knocking out Ricky Evans in the first round.

His 2023 campaign had already seen him stop Gyorgy Mizsei in February before blasting out the previously unbeaten Kahydlian Woods in the first round on the Claressa Shields-Maricela Cornejo undercard in June. Training in the renowned Kronk Gym, Smith has begun to catch the eye of luminaries in the boxing world as he works his way up in the sport.

“Da’Velle is progressing at a fast past and is going to be a force to be reckoned with in the middleweight division,” said Dmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions. “He’s tall, strong, skills and a big puncher coming out of the Kronk Gym in Detroit.”

“It was good to have Da’Velle on the show in the Kronk colors,” said Christy Martin, boxing legend and the promoter of last night’s show. “You could tell from his performance that he is a special fighter.”

#         #         #

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.

Check the Salita Promotions YOUTUBE CHANNEL for regular updates of the modern world’s greatest fighters, contenders and prospects in action. 

DETROIT – May 1, 2023 – Four of Michigan’s top prospects will highlight undercard action as big-time boxing returns to Detroit on Saturday, June 3 headlined by the rematch between Undisputed Middleweight World Champion and Michigan’s own Claressa Shields and four-division world champion Hanna Gabriels live from Little Caesars Arena and streamed on DAZN in the U.S. and Canada.

The lineup will see Dearborn’s Da’Velle Smith take on fellow unbeaten Kahydlian Woods in a six-round middleweight showdown, Grand Rapids’ Joshua Pagan battling the undefeated Ronnell Burnett in a six-round super lightweight attraction, Grand Rapids’ Joseph Hicks Jr. in an eight-round middleweight bout, and Dearborn’s Gheith Karim in a cross-town matchup against Detroit’s Marlon Harrington scheduled for eight rounds in the super welterweight division.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now and can be purchased through 313Presents.com, Ticketmaster.com and the XFINITY Box Office at Little Caesars Arena. The event is promoted by Salita Promotions and 313 Presents.

“Saturday, June 3 will be a night to remember from the opening bell, all the way until the world championship main event,” said Dmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions. “The card will feature local talent with world class potential fighting in their most significant fights live on DAZN from Little Caesars Arena in downtown Detroit. Detroit legends like Tommy Hearns and Hilmer Kenty will be looking on at ringside as these contenders will be fighting their most challenging opponents and hoping to prove that they are next in line to continue the elite pedigree of this legendary boxing city.”

The 22-year-old Smith (5-0, 4 KOs) made his pro debut in September 2021, winning the WBC’s inaugural Big Belt Championship by knocking out Ricky Evans in the first round. Smith would follow that triumph with a pair of knockouts in November 2021 and May 2022, before winning a unanimous decision over Devontae McDonald last August. The Kronk Gym-trained prospect most recently stopped Gyorgy Mizsei in February. He will be opposed by the 27-year-old Woods (4-0, 3 KOs). Originally from California and now fighting out of Indianapolis, Woods turned pro last year and scored three-straight knockouts before a split-decision triumph over then unbeaten Ezekiel Scruggs in February.

Pagan (5-0, 2 KOs) won the 2021 U.S. Amateur Welterweight National Championship with a unanimous decision over Keon Davis, completing a big step on his boxing journey that began as a teenager with his father and trainer Tony. The 23-year-old followed that up by turning pro in January 2022 and earning four victories that year. Most recently, Pagan won back-to-back decisions in Detroit to kick off 2023 as he bested Istvan Bela Orban in February and Wesley Rivers in April. He faces Kansas City, Missouri’s Burnett (9-0, 5 KOs), a 32-year-old who has fought professionally since 2017. Burnett earned three wins in 2022, including knockouts of Lantz Nave and dan Abram.

The 29-year-old Hicks (6-0, 5 KOs) started boxing at 19 and became a standout amateur before entering the pro rank. He was set to captain the U.S. Olympic Team at the 2020 summer games, before the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the proceedings. By the time the games were back on, the IOC’s formula for picking fighters in his weight class left him on the outside looking in. Undeterred, Hicks has shined as a pro, including already scoring two wins this year with triumphs over Bilal Quintyne in February and Noah Kidd in April.

Originally from Iraq and now residing in Dearborn, Michigan, Karim (9-0, 3 KOs) is trained by Jonathan Banks out of the world-renowned Kronk Gym in Detroit. The 25-year-old returned from a nearly three-year layoff last June and has won three-straight fights since then, most recently besting Ramses Agaton in March. He takes on Detroit’s own Harrington (8-1, 7 KOs), who trains in the same city as Karim, at Detroit’s World’s Best Boxing Gym. Harrington will be returning to the ring following his first career defeat, which came via decision against Marquis Taylor last October.

NEW YORK – February 21, 2023 – A pair of unbeaten prospects in the Salita Promotions stable will kick off their 2023 campaigns as middleweight Da’Velle Smith and super lightweight Joshua Pagan enter the ring in separate four-round attractions this Saturday, February 25 from Motor City Casino in Detroit.

Both fighters will be competing in their home state of Michigan, as Dearborn’s Smith and Grand Rapids’ Pagan will take on fighters to be announced shortly. The pair join another Salita Promotions stablemate competing on the card, as rising middleweight Joseph Hicks Jr. faces fellow unbeaten Bilal Quintyne in a six-round attraction.

“Da’Velle and Joshua and are two of the best U.S. prospects out there,” said Dmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions. “Both are born and raised in the rich culture of Michigan and Detroit boxing. I am excited about their upcoming fights and the world class potential that both of them have.”.

The 22-year-old Smith (4-0, 3 KOs) made his pro debut in September 2021, winning the WBC’s inaugural Big Belt Championship by knocking out Ricky Evans in the first round. Smith would follow that triumph with a pair of knockouts in November 2021 and May 2022, before most recently winning a unanimous decision over Devontae McDonald last August.

“I can’t wait to put on a show for my hometown fans,” said Smith. “My training camp went great. My plan is to keep climbing up the ranks towards a middleweight world title. I’m ready to show the world who Da’Velle Smith is.”

Pagan (4-0, 2 KOs) won the 2021 U.S. Amateur Welterweight National Championship with a unanimous decision over Keon Davis. The 23-year-old followed that up by turning pro in January 2022, scoring KO’s in his first two outings. Most recently, Pagan won a six-round unanimous decision over the previously unbeaten Jeremiah Lewis Watts in October 2022.

“Training camp has gone really great and making the weight has been getting easier and easier,” said Pagan. “I’ve also had really good sparring for this fight and everything is on point for Saturday night. You can expect to see me at my very best when I get in the ring. Each and every fight, I strive to perform better than my previous outing, and this fight will be no different.”

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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.

Check the Salita Promotions YOUTUBE CHANNEL for regular updates of the modern world’s greatest fighters, contenders and prospects in action. 

(July 26, 2022) Undefeated African welterweight Prince “Octopus” Dzanie, undefeated Icelandic heavyweight Kolbeinn “Ice Bear” Kristinsson and three of Michigan’s brightest and unbeaten young prospects, Joseph Hicks Jr., Joshua Pagan and Da’Velle Smith, highlight an exciting lineup of undercard bouts that has just been announced for Salita Promotions’ next Detroit Brawl, on Wednesday, August 10, 2022, at the historic Garden Theater in Midtown Detroit.

The seven-fight professional boxing event will be topped by two of the hardest punchers in all of boxing, IBF #4, WBA #13, WBO #11 and RING #7 super lightweight slugger Shohjahon Ergashev and WBO #12-, IBF #11-, WBC #7-ranked light heavyweight powerhouse Ali Izmailov facing dangerously powerful opponents in “must win” showdowns.

Ergashev (22-0, 19 KOs) of Detroit via Rakhmon, Uzbekistan, will face fellow knockout artist Angel “El Furioso” Martinez Hernandez (14-1-2, 14 KOs) from Baja California, Mexico, in a 10-round shootout. Izmailov (8-0, 6 KOs), meanwhile, will put his perfect record on the line in a high-stakes 10-round battle with also undefeated puncher Eric Murguia (14-0, 12 KOs) of Mission Hills, California.

Tickets for “Detroit Brawl” start at $40 and can be purchased by clicking HERE.

In chief support of the main-event carnage will be an eight-round super bantamweight battle between Accra, Ghana’s Dzanie (22-0, 18 KOs) and Memphis-based veteran Ira “Mr. Showtime” Terry (27-21, 16 KOs).

By having his first professional bout outside his native Ghana, the highly touted Dzanie, known as “Octopus,” will give North American fans a first look at his formidable abilities against the durable Terry. Dzanie went 87-15 as an amateur and was a three-time Ghanaian Champion and an All-Africa Bronze Medalist before representing Ghana at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing China. As a professional, he is trained by Abdul Ramany Iddrisu and managed by well-known boxing insider Vincent Scolpino of VMS Boxing. He won the WBO Africa Bantamweight Championship in 2017 with an eight-round knockout over countryman Isaac Quaye.

In another important supporting bout, undefeated Icelandic heavyweight Kolbeinn “The Ice Bear” Kristinsson will take on unpredictable Houstonian Rodney Moore (20-22-2, 9 KOs) in a six-round battle of big men.

Standing 6’ 5” and weighing 240-lbs of brute strength, Kristinsson recently signed with Salita Promotions, power manager Mark Taffet and has begun working with Detroit-based super trainer SugarHill Steward at Kronk Gym in Detroit. The Icelandic powerhouse has also worked with actor and countryman Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson, aka The World’s Strongest Man and Gregor “The Mountain” Clegane on Game of Thrones, at his Thor’s Power Gym in Kópavogur, Iceland.

Undefeated Grand Rapids, Michigan-based former amateur champions Joseph Hicks Jr. and Joshua Pagan will also see action that night, as Hicks (2-0, 2 KOs) will face experienced Dominican scrapper Jonathan Batista (19-16, 12 KOs) in a six-round middleweight struggle, while Pagan will take on Brazilian scrapper Maycon Oller Da Silva (1-5) over four super lightweight rounds. One of Detroit’s own, undefeated middleweight Da’Velle Smith (3-0, 3 KOs), already the winner of the WBC’s Big Belt Championship Tournament, will go four rounds or less with Wenatchee, Washington’s Devontae McDonald (2-1, 1 KO).

Rounding out the action will be undefeated Houston-based light heavyweight Darius “DFG” Fulghum (2-0, 2 KOs), who will take on Delaware’s David Murray (10-3-1, 6 KOs) in a lightweight six and lastly, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada’s Spencer Wilcox (3-0, 2 KOs) will face an opponent that is still TBA in a lightweight six-rounder.

PLEASE NOTE: Tickets ordered online will be placed in will call at the box office for pick-up. A limited quantity of VIP tickets is also available by calling 313.529.7604.

“August 10th is a spectacular night of boxing top to bottom featuring international, national and local talent,” said proud event promoter Dmitriy Salita. “Fighters From Africa to Uzbekistan to Detroit… we got the best of the best fighting in significant fights to take the next step toward a world title.”
ABOUT THE GARDEN THEATER:
The historic Garden Theater, built by C. Howard Crane on the northern corner of the 3900 block of Woodward, originally opened in 1912 as one of the largest theatres built in Midtown Detroit. The original theater closed in 1949 and reopened under several owners. Now, the Garden Theater is back, and better than ever, with state-of-the-art amenities including a full-service bar in the main theater and a VIP balcony with incredible architectural integrity and charm that stays true to the historic Cass Corridor structures. The revitalized performance and entertainment venue offers unique spaces for wedding ceremonies & receptions, bar mitzvahs, corporate events, concerts, conferences and meetings. The historic Garden Theater is located at 3929 Woodward Avenue in Detroit, MI. For more information, please call 313.832.0888 or visit us on the web at thegardendetroit.com, or check out our social media: FACEBOOK / INSTAGRAM.

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.

Check the Salita Promotions YOUTUBE CHANNEL for regular updates of the modern world’s greatest fighters, contenders and prospects in action.