© Jim Everett / Saddo Boxing

What better stage to highlight a New York rivalry than a live HBO telecast from Madison Square Garden? Dmitriy Salita, 28-0-1 (16), hopes to take his first step towards the boxing elite by facing cross town rival Edgar Santana, 24-5 (15), on the undercard of DiBella Entertainment’s Boxing After Dark on June 21.

“I received a call a few days ago about fighting Santana,” Salita told SaddoBoxing. “The offer was good and I accepted the fight; I really hope this fight happens for New York City and for the fans.”

According to Salita, his fight is being considered as part of a potential triple-header telecast headlined by Andre Berto, who will face Miguel Angel Rodriguez, and a heavyweight co-feature of Chazz Witherspoon against Chris Arreola.

A Russian immigrant and a religious Jew, Dmitriy feels his fights on HBO will add a new demographic of fans. “I used to watch boxing on HBO since I was a little boy, it would be great to finally fight on the network,” said Salita. “I’m knocking on the door of opportunity and working hard for my American Dream.”

A rivalry with Santana began last year after a first bout with Salita didn’t get off the ground due to contractual issues. “Santana’s manager began saying negative things about me that got Edgar a lot of press,” said Salita. “He has said I don’t want to fight him, now the fight is truly on the table, stop talking and start doing. I want the fight and I want to punish him for all the things he has said; he will respect me!”

Currently ranked #3 by the WBA, Salita may get the opportunity to face WBA Light Welterweight Champion Andreas Kotelnik in the fall if he scored a victory of Santana. “I want to fight Kotelnik and get the WBA belt after I destroy Santana for all the things he and his team have said about me.”

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Boxing News Tags: Andre Berto, Chazz Witherspoon, Dmitriy Salita, Edgar Santana, Miguel Angel Rodriguez