Salita, Bracero meet at ‘Crossroads’

Brooklyn pugilists to battle for greater relevancy

November 7, 2013 By John Torenli, Sports Editor Brooklyn Daily Eagle

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Dmitry “Star of David” Salita and Gabriel “Tito” Bracero are both on the verge of bigger fights and healthier paydays.

The only problem is, the two Brooklynites will have to battle one another for the right to take that next step in the squared circle.

“This is a true crossroads, NYC neighborhood battle,” said the 31-year-old Salita (35-1-1, 18 KOs), who will meet Bracero (22-1, 4 KOs) on the headline bout of Saturday night’s card at Brooklyn’s Aviator Sports Complex.

“There hasn’t been a fight this big here in a very long time,” added Salita. “I have a lot of respect for Gabe. I know what type of fighter he is, I know he is a warrior, but I am very focused and there is no doubt in my mind that I will come out victorious come [Saturday night].”

Salita has been looming on the outskirts of the welterweight division for several years now, having a potential SHOWTIME bout with Paulie Malignaggi on the opening night of championship boxing at the Barclays Center last year quashed before it could gain any serious momentum.

The practicing Orthodox Jew, who missed out on his initial chance at the big time after suffering a knockout loss to then-WBA light welterweight champion Amir Khan back in December 2009, knows that a win over Bracero will certainly raise his stock as a legitimate challenger in the stacked 140-147 pound division.

His 32-year-old Puerto Rican-American opponent, however, isn’t interested in being a stepping stone for Salita’s hopes and dreams.

A former gang member who served six years in prison after emerging as a budding star on the Golden Gloves circuit, Bracero also sees Saturday’s all-Brooklyn bout as an opportunity to elevate his profile in the boxing game.

“I have known Dmitriy for many years,” Bracero revealed. “Outside of the ring, we are friends, but come November 9, that all goes out the window. It’s business time. November 9 is an opportunity for both of us. We are both in our thirties and we both have one loss on our records.”

“This is an important fight not only for me and Dmitriy, but for the fans,” added Bracero. “This is an opportunity for me not to only make a statement, but to move on to the next level. I have been waiting for this opportunity for a very long time. I am very confident and there is no doubt in my mind that I will be handling my business come November 9.”

Those wishing to attend Saturday’s big fight can still buy tickets by contacting DiBella Entertainment at 212-947-2577. The fight will also be telecast on tape-delay via SNY.