Akhmedov and Diaz Clash in Highly Anticipated Super Middleweight Showdown on “Big Time Boxing USA”
On May 23rd, Salita Promotions has made a late addition to the “Big Time Boxing USA” television lineup, as world-class super middleweight Ali Akhmedov (20-1, 15 KOs) will take on the always-tough Encarnacion “Demoledor” Diaz (18-4, 11 KOs) in a 10-round bout. The fight will take place at the Wayne State Fieldhouse in Detroit and will be broadcast live on the premier global sports platform DAZN (8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT).
Akhmedov Looks to Continue Winning Streak
Akhmedov, hailing from Venice, California, via Almaty, Kazakhstan, is coming off a dominant 10-round decision victory over veteran Gabriel Rosado, where he claimed the IBF North American and WBC Silver Super Middleweight Championships at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Most recently, the Kazakh boxer secured a quick second-round knockout over Venezuela’s Carlos Rivero in April.
Diaz Aims to Make a Statement in His US Debut
Meanwhile, Diaz, from San Jose, Costa Rica, via Nicaragua, will be making his first US ring appearance in his nearly eight-year professional career. The Costa Rican fighter has won 18 of his last 21 contests, starting in the welterweight division and moving up as high as light heavyweight.
Stacked Undercard Supports the Main Event
The Akhmedov-Diaz bout will serve as the co-main event, supporting the 10-round heavyweight clash between American Jermaine Franklin Jr. (22-2, 14 KOs) and former US Olympian Devin Vargas (22-10, 9 KOs). Additionally, the card will feature an intriguing eight-round super lightweight fight for the Junior NABF title, pitting undefeated prospects Joshua James Pagan (9-0, 4 KOs) of Grand Rapids, Michigan, against Chattanooga, Tennessee’s Roger Hilley (13-0, 8 KOs).
“This is an excellent addition to an already packed night of boxing,” said event promoter Dmitriy Salita. “The addition of this fight just further demonstrates our willingness, and fulfills my personal promise, to work with all promoters to make the best and most important fights in boxing. This week’s card is the biggest and best BIG TIME BOXING USA event yet!”
🔗 Source
