Dmitriy Salita will fight on the undercard of the Joe Calzaghe v Roy Jones Jnr bill at New York’s Madison Square Garden on September 20 after signing a new promotional deal he hopes will take him to a world title.
The 26-year-old unbeaten light-welterweight’s fights will be screened by major American broadcaster HBO after he joined up with Square Ring Inc.
Square Ring failed to reach agreement in their attempts to secure Salita, currently ranked No 2 by the World Boxing Association, an immediate showdown with WBA world champion Andreas Kotelnik but Salita said: “I have to stay busy and get ready for any title fight in my next bout or two.
“I signed with Square Ring Inc so I can get a shot on HBO and I feel I will dominate boxing this year.”
The Ukraine-born, Brooklyn-based boxer is relishing returning to Madison Square Garden, the scene of his biggest triumph as an amateur seven years ago.
His opponent has yet to be named but Salita said: “I am very excited to be on the card fighting in the Garden with two legends. I haven’t fought in the Garden since I won the Golden Gloves in 2001.”
John Wirt, chief executive of Square Ring, said: “We are very excited about this signing. We believe Dmitriy has everything to be a great fighter.”