Connect with us

Articles of 2005

Hot Fights, Summer in the City

Published

on

It’s “Hot Fights, Summer in the City” as promoter Lou DiBella continues his fistic renaissance in New York with a sensational card scheduled for Thursday, August 25, at the Hammerstein Ballroom.

For the uninitiated, the ballroom is located within the Manhattan Center at West 34th Street and Eighth Avenue, just one block from the fabled Madison Square Garden.

This card will take place in the main ballroom, rather than in one of the many makeshift arenas on the facility’s upper floors. On a smaller scale, fighting there is akin to fighting in the big room at the Garden.

“This card warrants the big room,” said DiBella who is calling the show “Broadway Boxing’s Summer Bash.” “It features four of the top prospects in the New York metropolitan area and not one of them is in a fight that is not extremely competitive.”

Headlining the show will be Dmitriy “Star of David” Salita, 22-0 (13 KOs), of Brooklyn via the Ukraine, in an NABA welterweight championship bout against Shawn Gallegos, 15-1 (5 KOs), of Las Vegas, New Mexico. The fight is scheduled for ten rounds.

Junior welterweight Paulie Malignaggi, 19-0 (5 KOs), an Italian-American from Brooklyn, rebounds from hand surgery to battle Jeremy Yelton, 17-1 (9 KOs), of Charleston, South Carolina, in an eight-rounder.

Sechew “Iron Horse” Powell, 16-0 (10 KOs), of Brooklyn via Jamaica, takes on Santiago Samaniego, 36-9-1 (29 KOs), of Miami via Panama City, in a ten round bout. The well-traveled Samaniego is a first cousin of the legendary multi-division champion Roberto Duran.

Junior welterweight Edgar “El Chamaco” Santana, 14-2 (9 KOs), who was born in Puerto Rico but raised on the streets of Spanish Harlem, takes on late substitute Donnell Logan, 8-4-1 (4 KOs), of Covington, Tennessee.

“All of the local guys could conceivably lose,” said DiBella. “One of the reasons for that is the boxing commission doesn’t allow mismatches. Today you must have competitive fights. There is no more cowboys and Indians (mismatches) allowed.”

Because of the fact that he is an Orthodox Jew, as well as a genuine prospect, Salita has been generating an inordinate amount of international attention. Moreover, he is his own best publicist. What makes him so endearing is the fact that he promotes himself without a trace of arrogance. He created his own website and works hard at establishing and maintaining relationships with fans and media types alike.

“Fighting so often in New York means the world to me,” said Salita, who on the day of the final press conference, which was held on August 23 at Manhattan’s Le Marais French Kosher restaurant on West 46th Street, was the subject of a front page story in The Forward, the leading international Jewish newspaper. “This fight has both local and worldwide significance for me. It is important because I have spent a good portion of my life in New York, but also because the city is the center of the world. What happens here is heard about everywhere.”

Moreover, says Salita, “I am finally seeing the results of what I worked so hard for. When I started boxing it was just a dream to be a champion. Then I won the Golden Gloves and things have progressed at a slow but steady pace. Bit by bit, my dream is becoming a reality so that is very special to me.”

Several years ago Santana was considered a good enough prospect to be signed by Felix Trinidad Sr. Unfortunately he found himself relegated to the backburner as Trinidad Sr. spent most of his time working with his championship caliber son.

The good-natured, immensely likeable Santana has no bad feelings toward either of the Trinidads, and even treasures the time he spent in their company. Sparring with Trinidad Jr. and learning what he did from the father, he says, were invaluable experiences.

His new manager, Ernesto Dallas, is young, ambitious, intelligent and seemingly on the fast track to success in his own right. He has not only created DVDs of Santana, which he distributes to the press, he has set up public workout sessions for him. As tireless as Santana is in the gym, he is even more tireless when it comes to meeting and greeting his legions of fans.

In New York’s Puerto Rican community he has become a genuine sensation. Having Hector Roca as his new trainer will only enhance his popularity and reputation. An explosive slam-bang fighter by nature, Roca is trying to improve Santana’s already formidable offensive arsenal as well as his sometimes questionable defensive abilities. Whether or not Roca is successful is yet to be seen—but one thing is certain: Santana is all action all the time.

“I love having fans of all ages,” said the 25-year-old Santana. “I don’t feel any pressure at all. Having all these people behind me just motivates me more to do better. I don’t want to disappoint my fans and I don’t want to disappoint myself.”

An added attraction will be Hasidic reggae sensation Matisyahu, who will sing during Salita’s ring walk. He will also play a short set immediately after the fights. The popular artist, who is about to embark on a U.S. tour, has been featured on CNN and profiled or reviewed in the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Wall Street Journal, Jerusalem Post, and Montreal Gazette.

“When I was away at training camp with Sechew Powell and Edgar Santana, they laughed when I put his CD on,” said Salita. “But it was so great, the next day they asked me to put it on again.”

Doors open for the show at 6:00 P.M. and the fists start flying at 7:00 P.M. Call DiBella Entertainment at 212-947-2577 for tickets, which range from $40 to $200.

Share The Sweet Science experience!
Continue Reading
Advertisement
Boxing-Notes-and-Nuggets-from-Thomas-Hauser
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Boxing Notes and Nuggets from Thomas Hauser

Ekow-Essuman-Upsets-Josh-Taylor-and-Moses-Itauma-Blasts-Out-Mike-Balogun-in-Glasgow
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Ekow Essuman Upsets Josh Taylor and Moses Itauma Blasts Out Mike Balogun in Glasgow

Newspaperman-Playwright-Author-Bobby-Cassidy-Jr-Commemorates-his-Fighting-Father
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Newspaperman/Playwright/Author Bobby Cassidy Jr Commemorates His Fighting Father

A-Night-of-Mismatches-Turns-Topsy-Turvy-at-Mandalay-Bay-Resendiz-Shocks-Plant
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

A Night of Mismatches Turns Topsy-Turvy at Mandalay Bay; Resendiz Shocks Plant

Avila-Perspective-Chap-326-A-Hectic-Boxing-Week-in-LA
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 326: A Hectic Boxing Week in L.A.

Hiruta-Bohachuk-and-Trinidad-Win-at-the-Commerce-Casino
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Hiruta, Bohachuk, and Trinidad Win at the Commerce Casino

David-Allen-Bursts-Johnny-Fisher's-Bubble-at-the-Copper-Box
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

David Allen Bursts Johnny Fisher’s Bubble at the Copper Box

Italy-Mourns-the-Death-of-Legendary-Boxer-Nino-Benvenuti
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Italy Mourns the Death of Legendary Boxer Nino Benvenuti

in-A-Trubute-Wedded-to-Memorial-Day-Boxing-Writer-David-Avila-Pays-Homage-to-Absent-Friends
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

In a Tribute Wedded to Memorial Day, Boxing Writer David Avila Pays Homage to Absent Friends

Vinny-Paz-is-Going-into-the-Boxing-Hall-of-Fame-Hey-why-Not-Roger-Mayweather?
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Vinny Paz is Going into the Boxing Hall of Fame; Hey, Why Not Roger Mayweather?

Remembering-the-Under-Appreciated-Body-Snatcher-Mike-McCallum,-a-Conusmmate-Pro
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Remembering the Under-Appreciated “Body Snatcher” Mike McCallum, a Consummate Pro    

Avila-Perspective-Chap-228-Viva-Las-Vegas-Back-in-the-Boxing-Spotlight
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 228: Viva Las Vegas, Back in the Boxing Spotlight

Results-and-Recaps-from-Las-Vegas-Where-Melikuziev-Nipped-Fulghum-in-a-Fierce-Fight
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Results and Recaps from Las Vegas Where Melikuziev Nipped Fulghum in a Fierce Battle

Pacquiao-is-Back,-Fabio-in-England-and-More.jpg
Featured Articles1 week ago

Avila Perspective, Chap 329: Pacquiao is Back, Fabio in England and More

Opetaia-and-Nakatani-Crush-Overmatched-Foes-Capping-Off-a-Wild-Boxing-Weekend
Featured Articles5 days ago

Opetaia and Nakatani Crush Overmatched Foes, Capping Off a Wild Boxing Weekend

Angelo-Leo-Retains-His-Featherweight-Title-Before-a-Hostile-Crowd-in-Osaka
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Angelo Leo Retains His Featherweight Title Before a Hostile Crowd in Osaka

Delving-Into-'Hoopa'-With-Notes-on-Books-by-George-Plimpton-and-Joyce-Carol-Oates
Featured Articles1 week ago

Delving into ‘Hoopla’ with Notes on Books by George Plimpton and Joyce Carol Oates

Fabio-Wardley-Comes-from-Behind-to-KO-Justis-Huni
Featured Articles6 days ago

Fabio Wardley Comes from Behind to KO Justis Huni  

Local-Fan-Favorites-Terri-Harpet-and-Maxi-Hughes-Victorious-in-Doncaster
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Local Fan Favorites Terri Harper and Maxi Hughes Victorious in Doncaster

The-Shafting-of-Blair-the-Flair-Cobbs-a-Familar-Thread-in-the-Cruelest-Sport
Featured Articles2 days ago

The Shafting of Blair “The Flair” Cobbs, a Familiar Thread in the Cruelest Sport

Avila-Perspective-Chap-330-Matchroom-in-NY-plus-the-latest-on-Canelo-Crawford
Featured Articles5 hours ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 330: Matchroom in NY plus the Latest on Canelo-Crawford

The-Shafting-of-Blair-the-Flair-Cobbs-a-Familar-Thread-in-the-Cruelest-Sport
Featured Articles2 days ago

The Shafting of Blair “The Flair” Cobbs, a Familiar Thread in the Cruelest Sport

Opetaia-and-Nakatani-Crush-Overmatched-Foes-Capping-Off-a-Wild-Boxing-Weekend
Featured Articles5 days ago

Opetaia and Nakatani Crush Overmatched Foes, Capping Off a Wild Boxing Weekend

Fabio-Wardley-Comes-from-Behind-to-KO-Justis-Huni
Featured Articles6 days ago

Fabio Wardley Comes from Behind to KO Justis Huni  

Pacquiao-is-Back,-Fabio-in-England-and-More.jpg
Featured Articles1 week ago

Avila Perspective, Chap 329: Pacquiao is Back, Fabio in England and More

Delving-Into-'Hoopa'-With-Notes-on-Books-by-George-Plimpton-and-Joyce-Carol-Oates
Featured Articles1 week ago

Delving into ‘Hoopla’ with Notes on Books by George Plimpton and Joyce Carol Oates

Remembering-the-Under-Appreciated-Body-Snatcher-Mike-McCallum,-a-Conusmmate-Pro
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Remembering the Under-Appreciated “Body Snatcher” Mike McCallum, a Consummate Pro    

A-Night-of-Mismatches-Turns-Topsy-Turvy-at-Mandalay-Bay-Resendiz-Shocks-Plant
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

A Night of Mismatches Turns Topsy-Turvy at Mandalay Bay; Resendiz Shocks Plant

Results-and-Recaps-from-Las-Vegas-Where-Melikuziev-Nipped-Fulghum-in-a-Fierce-Fight
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Results and Recaps from Las Vegas Where Melikuziev Nipped Fulghum in a Fierce Battle

Avila-Perspective-Chap-228-Viva-Las-Vegas-Back-in-the-Boxing-Spotlight
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 228: Viva Las Vegas, Back in the Boxing Spotlight

Vinny-Paz-is-Going-into-the-Boxing-Hall-of-Fame-Hey-why-Not-Roger-Mayweather?
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Vinny Paz is Going into the Boxing Hall of Fame; Hey, Why Not Roger Mayweather?

Newspaperman-Playwright-Author-Bobby-Cassidy-Jr-Commemorates-his-Fighting-Father
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Newspaperman/Playwright/Author Bobby Cassidy Jr Commemorates His Fighting Father

Ekow-Essuman-Upsets-Josh-Taylor-and-Moses-Itauma-Blasts-Out-Mike-Balogun-in-Glasgow
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Ekow Essuman Upsets Josh Taylor and Moses Itauma Blasts Out Mike Balogun in Glasgow

Angelo-Leo-Retains-His-Featherweight-Title-Before-a-Hostile-Crowd-in-Osaka
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Angelo Leo Retains His Featherweight Title Before a Hostile Crowd in Osaka

in-A-Trubute-Wedded-to-Memorial-Day-Boxing-Writer-David-Avila-Pays-Homage-to-Absent-Friends
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

In a Tribute Wedded to Memorial Day, Boxing Writer David Avila Pays Homage to Absent Friends

Local-Fan-Favorites-Terri-Harpet-and-Maxi-Hughes-Victorious-in-Doncaster
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Local Fan Favorites Terri Harper and Maxi Hughes Victorious in Doncaster

Italy-Mourns-the-Death-of-Legendary-Boxer-Nino-Benvenuti
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Italy Mourns the Death of Legendary Boxer Nino Benvenuti

Boxing-Notes-and-Nuggets-from-Thomas-Hauser
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Boxing Notes and Nuggets from Thomas Hauser

Hiruta-Bohachuk-and-Trinidad-Win-at-the-Commerce-Casino
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Hiruta, Bohachuk, and Trinidad Win at the Commerce Casino

David-Allen-Bursts-Johnny-Fisher's-Bubble-at-the-Copper-Box
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

David Allen Bursts Johnny Fisher’s Bubble at the Copper Box

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Trending