ByMike Sinclair, Mike Sinclair
Dmitriy Salita returned from his devastating world title defeat by Amir Khan with a confident eight-round points victory over Franklin Gonzalez at the Oceana Hall in home-town Brooklyn, New York.
Blasted out in the first round when he challenged for Khan's WBA light-welterweight title in Newcastle last December, Salita took the decision 78-74 on the cards of all three judges.
"I felt a little rusty at first, the long lay-off absolutely affected me," said Salita who stepped up the pace from the fourth round to control the later rounds.
"I dealt with a lot of pain and frustration in the last few months and this helps to put the loss behind me.
I was happy to get back in the ring and I'd like to go again in the next few months," said Salita who could be heading for a clash with fellow Khan victim Paulie Malignaggi to find the best 10st fighter in New York.
After the bout, Malignaggi joined Salita in the ring and the Jewish star added: "I've known Paulie for a long time, since the amateurs, and I'm very interested in a fight against him.
"I think it would be a very exciting fight in New York. With the Italian and Jewish populations behind us, it could be like Barney Ross and Tony Canzoneri in the 30s."
Malignaggi added: "We should do it at Madison Square Garden."