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Detroit Brawl Series Returns April 2 In Dearborn,
Detroit’s Own Erick De Leon To Face Jose Martinez In Main
Event
Rolling on the exciting momentum of two sold-out events
there in the past two months, Salita Promotions will return
to the Lincoln Ballroom of the Ford Community & Performing
Arts Center in Dearborn, MI, on Saturday April 2, 2022, for
another fantastic Detroit Brawl event.
In the main event this time will be the return of one of
Detroit’s own, as undefeated power-punching lightweight
contender Erick De Leon (19-0-1, 11 KOs) will return after
nearly three years’ absence from the sport due to injuries
to face hard-nosed Mexico City veteran Juan Jose “Piquet”
Martinez (28-11, 20 KOs).
In the main supporting bouts will be a pair of world-class
contenders, as undefeated former amateur star Timur Kerefov
(12-0, 6 KOs) and WBC #9, IBF #15, WBO #14 light heavyweight
Ali Izmailov (7-0, 5 KOs) will both make appearances against
separate opponents, while undefeated Grand Rapids,
Michigan-based former amateur star Joshua “Double J” Pagan
(1-0, 1 KO) will appear in four-round special attraction.
Kerefov will take on divisional gatekeeper Cleotis “Mookie”
Pendarvis (21-9-2, 9 KOs) in an eight-round showdown. The
murderous-punching Izmailov’s, as well as Pagan’s opponents
are yet to be announced.
Tickets for “Detroit Brawl” start at $40 and can be
purchased by clicking HERE or by calling or visit the Ford
Community & Performing Arts Center Box Office (313.943.2354)
at 15801 Michigan Ave. in Dearborn on the day of the event.
PLEASE NOTE: Tickets ordered online will be placed in will
call at the box office for pick-up. A limited quantity of
VIP tickets is also available by calling Lina
(313.529.7604).
Born in Mexico and raised in Detroit, DeLeon began boxing in
the famed Kronk Gym where he developed a strong bond with
the late Emanuel Steward. As an amateur, DeLeon (19-0-1, 11
KO) was a three-time national Golden Gloves champion in
three different weight classes and a leading contender to
make the 2012 USA Olympic Team before a shoulder injury
derailed his dream. He elected to turn professional instead
in 2012.
Over his past six fights, DeLeon has gone 5-0-1 against
opponents with a combined 130-30 record. He followed up his
2018 draw with then 20-0 Andy Vences with two strong
performances: a 10-round UD victory over Adrian Yung
(25-4-2) and a seventh-round KO over Jose Luis Gallegos
(16-5).
Out of action since 2019 because of a series of injuries
before the pandemic brought a halt to the sport overall, De
Leon says he’s excited to be back in business.
“It feels great being the main event, knowing all my fans
will be there cheering me on. I’m excited to showcase my
skills, that I’ve worked so hard since a young boy!” said a
happy De Leon. “I’m very excited to be coming back, the time
off will not stop me from getting a world title for the city
of Detroit. I will win, because if my hunger and I want to
dedicate this fight to my beautiful cousin Evelyn Garza, who
just passed away 2 days ago!
Blessed with excellent hand and foot speed and the
fast-twitch reflexes that only come from a lifetime in the
sport, Kerefov was a highly decorated amateur boxer, winning
several important tournaments and 298 of his 310 unpaid
fights. Designated a Master of Sports, he fought at the
elite level internationally for nearly a decade.
“I have been training in Florida and learning under the
tutelage of Sugarhill Steward,” said Kerefov during a break
in training. “I look forward to showcasing my skills and
coming one step closer to a world title shot.”
Now working with highly regarded trainer and former champion
John David Jackson, Ali Izmailov is a true blue-chip light
heavyweight prospect. In his two-year pro boxing career,
Izmailov is already world rated and has held the WBO Global
Championship. The 28-year-old Izmailov is a former amateur
standout, having competed in multiple elite international
tournaments. Widely regarded as one of the hardest punchers
in the division, Izmailov stands 5′ 11½″ with a muscular
frame, strong punching power, deceptive quickness and a very
sturdy defense, Izmailov is a punishing counter puncher with
anvil fists who brutalizes opponents into submission.
“I love my activity, staying busy in the ring and learning
with trainer John David Jackson,” said an energized Izmailov.
“This will be my third fight in seven months. What I learn
in the gym, I put to work in the ring. I made my USA debut
in Detroit and look forward to backing it up with another
impressive performance.”
A smooth boxer with a mean streak, 21-year-old Grand Rapids,
Michigan-based 2021 USA National Amateur Welterweight
Champion Pagan started boxing at age 13, had approximately
90 fights as an amateur, culminating in winning three State
Golden Gloves Championships and the USA national
Championships in Shreveport, Louisiana.
“Training is going good,” explained Pagan. “We are currently
in Fort Lauderdale about to start a mini camp. We’re hoping
to get some great sparring in preparation for our next bout,
and we are prepared for the challenge, hard work and
dedication it takes.”
Promoter Dmitriy Salita, who’s never made a secret of his
mission to revive the sport in The Motor City, says he’s
happy to be bringing another world-class show to Detroit for
the fans who have gotten behind the series.
“I look forward to another exciting Detroit Brawl event that
will feature local, national and international world class
talent,” said Dmitriy Salita. “Detroit is America’s Greatest
comeback City, and, in due time, I have confidence that this
series will produce elite world champions from home and
abroad. This will be an exciting show from bell to bell.”
All bouts are subject to change. The Ford Community &
Performing Arts Center is located at 15801 Michigan Ave. in
Dearborn. On fight night, doors open at 7:00 pm and the
action starts at 8:00 pm.
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