Ardreal Holmes Jr and Marlon Harrington square off at Wayne State Fieldhouse in Detroit on Tuesday, February 20. The bout is scheduled for 10 rounds with USBA super welterweight title on the line. The contest headlines Salita Promotions’ new series “Big Time Boxing USA”.
“I’m very excited about the partnership with DAZN and the ability to promote our fighters to a worldwide audience,” said President of Salita Promotions, Dmitriy Salita. “We are starting the “Big Time Boxing USA” series in one of boxing’s historic cities, which for decades was synonymous with the champions of Detroit, and at one of the city’s premier venues, the Wayne State Fieldhouse. I look forward to showcasing and developing boxing’s top talent in exciting matchups.”
Unbeaten Ardreal Holmes Jr (14-0, 5 KOs) is coming off the win via split technical decision against Wendy Toussaint last June. With the victory, the 29-year-old southpaw landed the belt, as well as the second victory for the year. In February, the Flint native defeated Ismael Villarreal by split decision.
“I’m thankful and very excited to be having my first title defense in my home state,” Holmes said. “The fans are going to be the winner on February 20, because this fight, and the whole card, are going to be action packed. I’m going to show all the fans in Detroit and watching on DAZN who the best guy at 154 pounds is. This performance is gonna put the whole division on notice.”
Once-beaten Marlon Harrington (10-1, 9 KOs) is riding a two-fight winning streak, taking both victories in 2023 inside the distance. In his previous outing last September, the Detroit native stopped Ramses Agaton in the third round. In June, the 31-year-old Gheith Karim eliminated Gheith Karim in Round 1.
“Training camp is in full swing and there’s no better way to start the year than to bring the title back home to Detroit,” Harrington said. “The fans can expect fireworks in this one. I’m coming to light up the ring for sure on February 20. Get your popcorn!”
In the co-main event, Detroit-based light heavyweight Ali Izmailov (11-0, 7 KOs) defends his USBA title against Britton Norwood (13-4-1, 10 KOs) of Jackson, Mississippi. The bout is also scheduled for 10 rounds.
Holmes Jr vs Harrington undercard
Among Holmes Jr vs Harrington undercard bouts, Grand Rapids-native and U.S. National amateur champion Joshua Pagan (9-0, 4 KOs) goes up against Dwane Taylor (7-0, 7 KOs) of Detroit. The bout is scheduled for eight rounds at lightweight.
As well, undefeated Da’Velle Smith (7-0, 6 KOs) of Dearborn, Michigan faces a to be named opponent in a six-round bout at middleweight. Plus, unbeaten USA Olympic Team Captain Joseph Hicks Jr. (9-0, 6 KOs) of Grand Rapids, Michigan meets a to be determined opponent in a six-round bout at super welterweight.
Also on the card, unbeaten Juan Carrillo (11-0, 8 KOs) takes on West Palm Beach, Florida-based Jose Cortes (10-4, 3 KOs) in an eight-round all-Colombian clash at light heavyweight. In addition, Mount Clemens’ Luis Quintero (7-0, 7 KOs) goes through the ropes against opponent to be announced in a four-round bout at super lightweight.