EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: DMITRIY SALITA
By G. Leon
GL: We haven't spoken since you signed with Square Ring. What lead to you making this decision and how do you feel about working with Roy Jones Jr? "I feel great. They have great vision and it's a new powerful company that I can indentify my career with and they're going to give me the opportunities that I need. First off fighting on PPV at Madison Square Garden. If [WBA junior welterweight champion Andreas] Kotelnik wins his next fight, that's going to be the next fight and I'm really excited about being able to fight for my first world title."
GL: What was the deciding factor in signing with Roy?
Dmitriy Salita: "The deciding factor was my first fight was going to be on a major PPV. The fact that my first fight will be on a major PPV for a world title, it doesn't get much better than that."
GL: What do you think about Kotelnik as a fighter and what weaknesses to do you see in him that you plan on exploiting come fight night?
DS: "I think Kotelnik is a overall a very well rounded fighter. I think he does all things very well. He's a solid boxer and there's some things I see looking at his tapes that I will take advantage of. I expect a hard fight, but this is something that I've dreamed of for 13 years, ever since I started boxing. I'm looking forward to it, I'm getting myself prepared so let's get ready to rumble."
GL: What does becoming world champion mean to you?
DS: "Personally it would be my lifetime achievement award. I've slaved away with boxing and I've dedicated my whole life to it. I've been through some really hard times but fortunately I've always worked really hard. It would be historic in the sense as far as I know the last Jewish world champion in this weight class was Barney Ross. It would be tremendous to capture a world title in Madison Square Garden."
GL: And obviously if you defeat Kotelnik, the fight that makes the most sense is you against the winner of Malignaggi-Hatton.
DS: "Absolutely. That would make a lot of sense and it would be huge. I understand what comes with this victory. It's going to be a big night and I can't wait. It's my time to show my family that I made the right choice with boxing. There's a lot on the line for me."
GL: Your documentary aired on MSG last night. Can you give us some thoughts on it?
DS: "I think it's great. I got so much awesome feedback. I think the documentary, speaking outside of myself. The film maker was able to capture aspects of boxing that all boxers go through. I think it's a great film, I'm glad to be a part of it and I'm glad to have that part of my life documented."
GL: Is there currently a plan B to Kotelnik?
DS: "From hearing Kotelnik speak in the Russian press and on other news services, he's for the fight and I think it's the best fight for both of us at this point in time."
GL: Closing thoughts?
DS: "I have a lot of fans and I have a lot of critics and on November 8th, they're going to either eat their words or lose some money. It's also great to see you back putting your hustle on Boxingtalk.com. ONLY IN AMERICA BABY!"
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