By Lee Collier
Dmitriy Salita steps into the ring this weekend to take part in his first world title fight and to face the biggest challenge of his career. Salita, a Brooklyn resident, has come over to the United Kingdom to try and win the WBA light welterweight title that he felt should have been his after he was pushed aside to allow his opponent on Saturday night, Amir Khan, a shot at Andreas Kotelnik.
BoxingScene.com caught up with Salita to see how the American is feeling in the build up to Saturday night. Salita, 30-0-1 (16 KO’s), realises that in facing Khan for a world title he is also facing a massive step up in terms of opposition. With this fight not only being for a world title but also the biggest test of his career, the American has taken his preparations deadly serious.
“My preparation has gone great. I have really worked hard and pushed myself to the limit and look forward to all the hard work paying off on Saturday night,” declared Salita.
Salita has over a 50% knockout ration, whereas his English opponent has almost a 70% knockout ratio. Both fighters have tasted the canvas in their careers and are fast, aggressive punchers. Salita admits there is a high possibility that the fight will not go the full 12 rounds.
“I see the fight going a few different directions. I think it’s going to be an explosive and exciting fight - I’m going to make a very big statement to the boxing world,” claimed Salita. “There’s a very good possibility of it ending quickly.”
In recent months, Khan has shown improvements under the tutelage of Freddie Roach. The Khan of today is an improvement over the Khan that was beaten by Breidis Prescott just over 12 months ago. Salita explained how he felt he was going to get the better of Khan.
“Khan has fast hands and fast feet but he has weaknesses. Those weaknesses are that when he finishes punching he leaves certain openings and he takes steps that leave him open to shots,” revealed Dmitriy.
Salita acknowledges the difference Freddie Roach has made to the Bolton fighter. “He’s made some adjustments under Freddie Roach but he still leaves room to work with and I plan to expose those weaknesses,” stated Salita.
Salita also feels that he has an advantage, having been a light welterweight his whole career. For the champion, it will only be his second fight at the 140lb limit after getting a world title shot in his first fight.
Salita explained: “He is also not a real light welterweight whereas I am - I don’t think Khan has grown into the weight yet.”
The American challenger has stated that he will eventually move up to welterweight in the future, but claims making weight is not an issue. “This camp was great and I’ve had no problems making weight for this fight. I was 141lb yesterday so I should be on schedule,” confirmed the challenger.
Salita knows he is in for a tough night’s work and does not want to look too far into the future, instead wanting to concentrate on Saturday night. Salita will need to join the queue if he wants to fight one of the possible opponents he mentioned.
“Ricky Hatton is one of the guys I’d love to fight. Everyone has been so nice to me in England so I’d love to come back again, but I mustn’t look too far ahead. I would gladly come back to fight Ricky or fight him at the Garden,” promised Dmitriy.
