Tommy “The Hitman,” a boxing legend from Detroit, will highlight a long list of the city’s top boxers who are scheduled to attend the first-ever “Big Time Boxing USA” which is being presented by Salita Promotions, and will take place on Tuesday, February 20 from Wayne State Fieldhouse in Detroit, Michigan, and streamed live on DAZN.
“Detroit is where I became a champion and that happened through activity, competitive fights and a platform for the world to see. I am excited about the lineup on February 20 and I look forward to being ringside for ‘Big Time Boxing USA’ in Detroit,” said Hearns.
Along with 2024 International Boxing Hall of Fame Inductee Jackie Kallen, other attendees on February 20 include former world champions Hilmer Kenty, Bronco McKart, “Boom Boom” Johnson, Milton McCrory, and Cornelius Bundrage.
“I’m excited to see the legacy of Detroit boxing continue with tomorrow’s champions on display February 20. Dmitriy has been working diligently on resurrecting the Detroit boxing scene, which has all the ingredients to once again be one of the best cities in the U.S. for top world class talent. Those watching on DAZN and at the Wayne State Fieldhouse are going to witness a special night,” said Kallen.
“Detroit is the perfect city to kick off for our ‘Big Time Boxing USA’ series. It is one of the historic homes of boxing. I am honored that living legends like Tommy Hearns, Jackie Kallen, and other champions of the sport both inside and outside the ring are supporting our event and adding to the experience of this series to those watching the fight live on DAZN and fans at the Wayne State Fieldhouse in the heart of the city,” said Dmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions.
The main event will feature a 10-round bout between two Michigan fighters, Ardreal Holmes Jr. of Flint and Marlon Harrington of Detroit, for the USBA Super Welterweight Championship. In the co-main event, which begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT, Britton Norwood will square off against undefeated USBA Light Heavyweight Champion Ali Izmailov in a 10-round fight.
A clash of undefeated fighters will also take place on DAZN. Joshua Pagan, a prominent fighter for the U.S. National Amateur Championship, will face Detroit’s Dwane Taylor in an eight-round lightweight match, while Da’Velle Smith, a Dearborn local, will engage in a six-round middleweight match.
The Wayne State Fieldhouse Box Office and online HERE are the two locations where tickets for the live event can be bought. After Salita Promotions produced the first-ever boxing event at Little Caesars Arena, home of the Detroit Pistons, in June 2023, this will be the first boxing event at Wayne State Fieldhouse, home of the G-League affiliate of the Detroit Pistons, the Motor City Cruise.
(Additional reporting provided by Miriam Onyango)
