TysonJones

Dmitriy Salita Interview - 4/25/08

Hey Dmitriy, I finally got those questions together and here they are. Your fans at the forum greatly appreciate it.

What did you think of the fight between calzaghe and hopkins last weekend?

DS: Two hall of famers. I thought that Calzaghe would be to active for Hopkins before the fight but Hopkins is so crafty and so smart inside that ring. I give him the upmost respect he is one of the greatest and at 43.

Who do you think won?

DS: I think it was the right decision. Close fight Calzaghe started to pick up tempo as the fight went on. Hopkins is still in the mix with all the top guys if he chooses to fight.

Who is your favorite boxer of all time and why?

DS: Well I have a few. Barney Ross is my favorite Jewish fighter from back in the day. Joe Louis is one of my favorites as much for his personality as for his achivments in the ring. To accomplish that much as a black man in a country where racism was still prevealnt is special. Ray Rabinson, Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard, Marvin Hagler, Roy Jones, Kostya Tszyu, Mayweather and ofcourse Oscar who I hope to fight sometime soon.

Why did you choose the route of becoming a boxer?

DS: I don't really know the answer to that question. I was an immigrant my family was going through a lot of hardships and I saw boxing as my way out. That is the answer in a nut shell. I also see boxing as being very artistic and the most competitive thing a person can do.

When do you plan on fighting for a world title?

DS: Well I challenged Gavin Rees in Nov, he didn't take the fight, I just challenged Kotelnik and there is a possibility this fight may happen in the near future. I hope in early fall.

I understand you now live in NY, however your originally from the Ukraine, there seems to be an increase in world class fighters from the old Soviet Union, can you point out any particular reason for this?

DS: Well my boxing education happened in Brooklyn, completely. I joined Starret City BC at the age of 13 and learned how to box at that gym. The Russian school of boxing is very good now that they have the freedom to turn pro people outside the amateur circuit can see their ability. They have very good skils and are hungry and that's what it takes to make it to the top.

What was your ameteur background like?

DS: I won all the inner city tournaments in NY from the age of 13, I also got the bronze, silver and gold at the nationals . Gold being my last yer as an amateur. I also won the NY city golden gloves and received the Sugar Ray Rabinson award as outstanding boxer of the tournament.

Are you friends with any of the other Ukraine Champions like Wladimir or Vitali Klitschko?

DS: Yes, I am friends with them and fought on the same cards with them a few times. Nice guys and Vitali will be the future mayor of Kiev, maybe even President one day. I think he has done a great job and service to his country in representing Ukraine on the world stage

I've heard that you have trained with Zab Super Judah. How was that experience?

DS: Yes Zab has trained at Starret City boxing club for many years. His family are cool people I am good friends with his brothers and his father Yoel. It is great to train around a world champion. Zab is always very helpful when I have a question. He called me and gave me great advice when the fight with Oscar was being discussed for May 3rd.

What are your personal thoughts on Zab and what chances do you give him against Mosley next month?

DS: I think he is taking this fight very seriously. I seen him at Starret before he left to camp. This is the most focused I seen Zab in many years. He is one of the most talented fighters in boxing and if he puts his mind to something anything can happen. He has a great chance.

If you could fight one of the current welterweight champions, who would it be?

DS: Well I am a Jr. Welterweight, I would like to fight Andrea Kotelnik. He is the WBA Jr. Welter champ. I would like to fight for the WBA belt first it's my highest ranking and I want to honor that.

Do you ever plan on moving up in weight or can you make 147 fairly easy?

DS: Yes I plan to win a title at Jr. Welter hopefully in the next 2 fights and then move up to 47 and challenge Oscar.

Now lets play a little game, You will be the first person that I've interviewed that I've done this with. I'm going to say a word or phrase and you tell me the first thing that comes to mind. Ok?

Favorite Food.

DS: Sushi

Favorite Music.

DS: Hip Hop

Favorite Movie.

DS: Crash, The Professional.

Best P4P Fighter in the world.

DS: Floyd Mayweather.

Best Trainer in the world.

DS: To each is own. The best trainers in the world are the trainers that groom kids to become champions from scratch. Many great trainers that are not known to the masses.

Andre Berto.

DS: Great prospect, awesome talent.

Dmitriy Salita.

DS: Champion

From all your fans at boxingforum. com, We want to thank you for taking the time out to do this for us. We greatly appreciate it.

DS: Thank you I appreciate it.

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