POTAPOV IMPRESSES IN US DEBUT ON EXCITING “BROOKLYN BRAWL”

BROOKLYN, N.Y. (Nov 2, 2015) – World rated prospect Nikolay Potapov 14-0 of Padolsk Russia made an impressive US debut as he controlled every minute of the bout against the experienced Pedro Malo of Mexico 13-10.

The bout took place last Thursday as part of the latest installment of Salita Promotions Brooklyn Brawl series at the Aviator Sports Complex in Brooklyn.

Potapov hurt Melo on several occasions but the experienced Melo used his experience to survive in the 10 round contest as all score cards had it 100-90 for Potapov across the board. ” Fighting in NYC was a great experience . I am grateful to all the fans that came out the media that showed me support and to my promoters PBL and Salita Promotions who did an outstanding job in introducing me to the US boxing community ”

Every bout featured high-volume trading, and fans were treated to a solid rumble in the main event. Physical marvel Alicia Ashley used deft footwork, crisp combos and superior ring generalship to take UD10 win over Ireland’s Christina McMahon. For her effort, the Jamaican-born Brooklyn resident, 48 years young, not only picks up the WBC super bantamweight world title, but she will get her entry in the Guinness Book of World Records refreshed, as the oldest female to hold a world title in the boxing sphere.

“History was made on “Brooklyn Brawl,” in a very entertaining fight for WBC title with Ashley (23-10-1) and McMahon (7-1),” said promoter Salita.

Other standouts included Brooklyn welterweight Mikkel Lespierre, who had a strong test in front of him, in Philly’s Evincci Dixon. “Slikk Mikk” is a sharp-shooting lefty who went to 11-0-1 with a UD4.

Welterweight Giorgi Gelashvilli (3-0; living in Brooklyn) dominated Rashad Bogar UD4), from New Jersey;

Puerto Rican Emilio Salas (4-1-1), a cruiserweight, pot-shotted in-your-face Eric George, and the ref saw enough, calling a TKO in round four.

Bakhtiyar Eyubov, an all-action junior middleweight, scored a TKO1 win over Antonio Fernandes from Massachusetts, when he hit him to the body. Fernandes said it was low, and told the ref he couldn’t continue.

“I was pleased with the effort from all the boxers,” said Salita. “We encourage boxing fans to attend our live events, the atmosphere was last night and always is amazing!”




Contender Potapov Part of Eastern European Talent Surge this Thursday night in Brooklyn

BROOKLYN, N.Y. (Oct. 26, 2015) – On Thursday, Oct. 29, blue-chip contender Nikolay Potapov, ranked No. 9 in the world among bantamweight, will show off his considerable skills in the borough of kings.

His impressive ranking comes after just 13 professional fights, all wins.

Promoter Dmitriy Salita is putting the finishing touches on a rock-solid fight card, which will unfold at the Aviator complex in south Brooklyn.

“Nikolay is a top contender and I look forward to his fight on the Brooklyn Brawl series as his introduction to American fight fans,” said the promoter, who has been instrumental in fanning the flames of the sweet science in NYC for the past several years. “He has all the skills to compete with the best in the world.”

Potapov hails from Russia, and is part of a new wave of Eastern European battlers who are taking control of the sport, cut from the cloth of the Gennady Golovkins and Sergey Kovalevs.

He puts his 13-0 (6 Kos) record on the line against a sturdy Mexican, Pedro Melo, a veteran of 25 pro fights in a bout scheduled for 10-rounds.

Like many Russian fighters, Potapov is a patient predator, likes to come forward, be first, has solid basics, puts punches together well, knows the value of a focused body attack, picks his spots smartly…basically, he will be someone bantamweight aces will need to contend with, soon. But first, he has to handle business on Thursday night.

Many attending the show will recall the thrilling main event at the last Salita card, in Coney Island, when Cornelius Lock upset Alex Miskirtchian. Fan-friendly matchmaking is a Salita trademark; other bouts on tap include a title fight, pitting Alicia Ashley (22-10-1) against Christina McMahon (7-0) in a 10-round bout for the vacant WBC world female super bantamweight crown.

Hard hitters Bakhtiyar Eyubov (8-0; super welterweight), junior middleweight Steve Martinez (15-2) and super welter Mikkel LesPierre (10-0-1) are all seeking to make a splash in six round bouts, in the form of a knockout performance, at the Aviator. Cruiserweight Emilio Salas (3-1-1), super lightweight Giorgi Gelashvilli (2-0) and debuting super welter Serdar Hudayberviyev will be showcased in four round bouts, as well.

“Our momentum with our Brooklyn Brawl series continues to grow,” said Salita. “I, and all the hard-working professional fighters on the card, appreciate your support! Come see this young and talented bunch of boxers show you why boxing is the most valiant sport in the world!”

Doors open at 6 p.m. with the first bout scheduled for 6:30 p.m., as the Brooklyn Brawl looks to once again captivate New York City with fistic fury. Tickets begin at $20 and are available by calling 1-844-890-2120 or by visiting SalitaPromotions.com.




Russian contender to join Area pugilists at Oct. 29 Brooklyn Brawl

BROOKLYN, N.Y. (Oct. 20, 2015) – Boxing champion-turned-promoter Dmitriy Salita will once again provide NYC with a night of pugilistic prowess as the former IBF, WBA and NABA International Junior Welterweight Champion brings his Brooklyn Brawl series back to South Brooklyn on Thursday, Oct. 29. The Aviator Sports and Events Center will serve as the next proving ground for many New York City-based rising stars; the exciting undercard building toward featured events, where Alicia “Slick” Ashley and Christina McMahon (7-0, 3 KOs) will square off for the WBC Super Bantamweight title and top-10 world-ranked bantamweight contender, Nikolay Potapov, makes his U.S.A. debut.

“Our Oct. 29 show will feature some of the best fighters on the planet, such as world-rated Nikolay Potapov. He is one of the hottest, undefeated world-ranked prospects in the bantamweight division. This will be another outstanding card for area boxing fans to enjoy,” said Salita, who co-promotes Potapov with Pavel Popov of PBL Promotions.

Doors open at 6 p.m. with the first bout scheduled for 6:30 p.m., as the Brooklyn Brawl looks to once again captivate New York City with fistic fury. Tickets begin at $20 and are available by calling 1-844-890-2120 or by visiting SalitaPromotions.com.

Potapov – currently ranked as the No. 14 bantamweight in the world by the WBO and now rated No. 13 globally by the WBC and No. 10 by BoxRec – will put his undefeated 13-0 record (6 KOs) on the line as he makes his debut on U.S. soil. The fast-rising battler piled up more than 180 amateur tilts and amassed a number of national and international tournament victories, and now as a 25-year-old pro has wasted no time in signing on for four 10-round bouts and a 12-rounder against experienced, top competitors. In his last pro victory, Popatov earned the WBA Asian title by besting Jason Canoy, who is rated No. 14 in the WBC and No. 12 in the IBF.

We sat down with Potapov to find out about his history with “the sweet science” and to learn more about what the unbeaten contender expects from his U.S. debut:

Question: How did you get your start in the sport of boxing? What made you look to turn professional?

Nikolay Potapov: I started boxing when I was a young boy. My father said, “Boxing teaches you to be a man, and develops your strength inside and outside.” When I was young our neighbor was a Hall of Fame boxing trainer of Russia. My father did not have to think about it for long before taking me to the gym, and that was my beginning in boxing.

Question: What was your childhood like?

Nikolay Potapov: I grew up in Podolsk, Russia, near Moscow. I started playing soccer and doing kick boxing at the age of six before eventually starting to box. I would go to school and then go to either soccer or kick boxing practice. I was a very good soccer player and captain of my team, every day I would practice until the lights went out at 9 p.m.

Question: You’ve had a quick rise to be listed among bantamweight contenders and the Top 15 in the world right now. What’s been your favorite part or most surprising aspect of your early success?

Nikolay Potapov: I had more 170 amateur fights which I believe gave me a great amount of experience and the ability to climb up the pro ranks at a faster pace. I love boxing and turned professional to pursue my dream of becoming a world champion, fighting championship fights and thrilling fans with my skills!

Question: What are you looking forward to in the U.S.? What do you think fighting in the U.S. is going to be like?

Nikolay Potapov: This will be my first trip to the U.S.A. I have always dreamed about fighting in the U.S. and in New York City, and my dream is coming true. I want to show my skills to the world and make my Brooklyn Brawl debut an exciting one. I am very focused on my boxing career and am very excited to progress and fight the best fighters in the world. I am committed to defeating whoever I have in front of me in the ring. That is why I am already rated in the top 15 in the world with only 13 fights, because I want to fight the best in my division. I fought fighters who are rated higher than me and with more experience from early in my pro career, I just want to challenge myself and fight the best!

Oct. 29 Brooklyn Brawl broadcast information will be announced at a later date. Interested corporate partners should contact Mark Fratto at mfratto@linacremedia.com.

For tickets, more about the participants and additional updates on the Thursday, Oct. 29, Brooklyn Brawl please log on to SalitaPromotions.com and AviatorSports.com. Follow all the action via social media leading up to the event – and on fight night – at @BrooklynBrawlNY on Twitter and Instagram, or by accessing the hashtag #BrooklynBrawl




OCT. 29 BROOKLYN BRAWL TO FEATURE WORLD-RATED NIKOLAY POTAPOV, RISING NYC PROSPECTS

BROOKLYN, N.Y. (Sept. 22, 2015) – Coming off an electrifying evening of “Boxing At The Beach” on Aug. 25 in Coney Island, Dmitriy Salita will once again provide NYC with a night of pugilistic prowess as theworld-renowned boxer-turned-promoter brings his Brooklyn Brawl series back to Kings County on Thursday, Oct. 29. The Aviator Sports and Events Complex in South Brooklyn will serve as the next proving ground for many New York City-based rising stars, the exciting undercards building toward a main event showcasing the U.S.A. debut of unbeaten Russian and top-10 world-ranked bantamweight contender, Nikolay Potapov.

“The Brooklyn Brawl series had a great summer. Beginning an inaugural event at the Brooklyn Paramount Theater in partnership with Barclays Center and ending at MCU Park, home of the Brooklyn Cyclones. Both showcased world-class talent in some incredible fights, and fans showed great support at each event,” said Salita, the former IBF, WBA and NABA International Junior Welterweight Champion who fights out of Flatbush, Brooklyn, as a professional. “Similarly, our Oct. 29 show will feature some of the best fighters on the planet, such as world-rated Nikolay Potapov, and talented, accomplished NYC-based fighters in competitive matchups as they climb up the ranks. This will be another outstanding card for area boxing fans to enjoy.”

Doors open at 6 p.m. with the first bout scheduled for 6:30 p.m. as the Brooklyn Brawl looks to once again captivate New York City with fistic fury. Tickets begin at $20 and are available beginning on Tuesday, Sept. 22, by calling 1-844-890-2120

Potapov – currently ranked as the No. 14 bantamweight in the world by the WBO and now rated No. 10 globally by BoxRec – will put his undefeated 13-0 record (6 KOs) on the line as he makes his debut on U.S. soil. The fast-rising battler piled up more than 180 amateur tilts and amassed a number of national and international tournament victories, and now as a 25-year-old pro has climbed quickly to challenge himself with four 10-round bouts and a 12-rounder against top competition. In his last pro victory, Popatov earned the WBA Asian title by beating Jason Canoy, who is rated No. 14 in the WBC and No. 12 in the IBF.

Welterweight prospect “Trigger” Tresean Wiggins (7-1, 6 KOs) – fresh off a third-round knockout at the Aug. 25 Boxing At The Beach affair – will be back on the Brooklyn Brawl Aviator card. The fighting pride of Newburgh, N.Y., was impressive last month against Baltimore’s Kevin Womack Jr. and looks to add another stoppage victory to his burgeoning resume.

Undefeated junior lightweight contender Dimash Niyazov of Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, will have his mettle tested once again at the Aviator Complex. The Brooklyn police officer, whose story was chronicled by the Wall Street Journal last month, improved to 8-0-3 (5 KOs) with a six-round Boxing At The Beach unanimous decision over local fighter Ariel “Fuego” Duran in a Brooklyn-Queens crosstown rivalry bout.

Detroit’s James Gordon Smith (8-0, 5 KOs) is another rising star putting his unblemished record to the test in Brooklyn. The eight-time Motor City Golden Gloves title-winner and former national amateur champion is intent on making a name for himself in the pro ranks.

A light welterweight and Olympian making his professional debut, Serdar Hudayberdiyev comes to the Brooklyn Brawl after an accomplished international amateur career. The pride of his native Turkmenistan on the West Coast of the Caspian Sea, he captured gold in the Asian games and was selected his country’s flag bearer in the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.

Heavyweight Emilio Salas (3-1-1, 1 KO) of Puerto Rico – who opened up the Boxing At The Beach slate with a second round TKO at the expense of opponent Glenn Thomas – will add some thunder to the Oct. 29 card while welterweight Giorgi “Goga” Gelashvili (2-0, 2 KOs) of Brighton Beach, Brooklyn, will provide the lightning. Gelashvili, a former three-time Georgian national champion, overwhelmed opponent DeLoren Gray-Jordon last August with a speedy salvo of blows in round two, leading to his second stoppage victory in as many fights and as many months.

For ticket information and updates on the Thursday, Oct. 29, Brooklyn Brawl please log on toSalitaPromotions.com and AviatorSports.com. Follow all the action via social media leading up to the event – and on fight night – at @BrooklynBrawlNY on Twitter and Instagram, or by accessing the hashtag #BrooklynB




SALITA ROSTER CONTINUES TO EXPAND AS BANTAMWEIGHT CONTENDER NIKOLAY POTAPOV JOINS SALITA STABLE

Brooklyn (September 16, 2015)–The impressive roster belonging to promoter Dmitriy Salita continues to expand, and impress industry watchers with the quality of athletes under the Salita banner.

Salita, the Brooklyn-based boxing promoter building a reputation as the top promoter under age 40 in the game today, is proud to announce the signing of Nikolay Potapov, a 13-0 (6 KOs) bantamweight.

The 25-year-old Russian hitter is rated No. 11 among bantamweights by Boxrec, and No. 14 in the WBO, mightily impressive for a boxer with so few professional outings.

“I am co-promoting Potapov with Russian promoter Pavel Povlov, who is president of the promotional company Podolsk Fighting League,” Salita said. “Nikolay is excited to fight in the United States, and prove he is the best in the world! With bantamweights again making noise, he wants to throw himself in the mix and is confident he will beat Jamie McDonnell, Tomoki Kameda, Randy Caballero and Lee Haskins.. all the top challengers and champions in the division!”

In his last fight Potapov beat Jason Canoy, who is rated No. 14 in the WBC and No. 12 in the IBF.

Nikolay Potapov had over 180 amateur fights and won numerous national and international tournaments, said Salita, coming off his successful “Brooklyn Brawl” card held at Coney Island, which ran on ESPN3.

Potapov is on the fast track; he has already fought four ten rounders and one twelve rounder.

Fight fans can expect to see a boxer who likes to advance, likes to be busy, places his punches smartly, throws combinations with bad intentions…all in all, he’s a rock-solid contender.

For more information visit SalitaPromotions.com