Fighters Ready to Rumble at Big Time Boxing USA Event in Detroit
Detroit, MI – A host of fighters set to compete in Thursday’s eagerly anticipated Big Time Boxing USA event at the Wayne State Fieldhouse in Detroit gathered for a media workout on Tuesday at the city’s iconic Kronk Gym.
Headlining the event is American heavyweight contender Jermaine Franklin Jr. (22-2, 14 KOs), who will face former U.S. Olympian Devin Vargas (22-10, 9 KOs) in the 10-round main event. Also featured were Joshua James Pagan (9-0, 4 KOs) of Grand Rapids, Michigan, who will take on fellow undefeated prospect Roger Hilley (13-0, 8 KOs) of Chattanooga, Tennessee, in the super lightweight co-feature, as well as late addition Ali Akhmedov (20-1, 15 KOs) of Venice, California, by way of Almaty, Kazakhstan, who will square off against Encarnacion Diaz (18-4, 11 KOs) of San Jose, Costa Rica, in an intriguing eight-round special attraction.
“I love fighting in my home state. The fans here always bring the energy, and I’m excited to put on a show for them.” – Jermaine Franklin Jr.
Akhmedov’s trainer, Detroit-born Johnathon Banks, was on hand to work with his fighter and field questions, joined by Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein, who will be part of the evening’s broadcast crew. Former welterweight titleholder and Kronk Gym staple Milton McCrory was also in attendance to offer his support.
In pre-fight interviews, the fighters shared their excitement and insights ahead of Thursday’s action-packed event. Franklin expressed his love for fighting in his home state, while Pagan discussed his determination to bring the title home. Akhmedov and Banks highlighted their connection and the similarities between the Kronk and Kazakh styles of boxing.
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