Rising prospect and Grand Rapids native Joshua James Pagan will headline a boxing event in Puerto Rico on Oct. 23 as part of Salita Promotions’ ‘Big Time Boxing’ series.
The fight card takes place at the Coliseito Pedrín Zorrilla in San Juan, airing live on DAZN.
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The event, co-promoted with Universal Promotions, will be headlined by a NABO title showdown between one of the super lightweight division’s brightest young prospects, Joshua James “Double J” Pagan (13-0, 4 KOs), and power-punching Maliek Montgomery (20-1, 18 KOs).
Tickets for the event go on sale on September 15.
The 10-round main event presents a career-defining opportunity for both fighters. The NABO title, recently vacated by Abdullah Mason, is on the line — and with it, a clear pathway for the rising prospects to advance closer to world-title contention.
Pagan, undefeated and just 24 years-old, has already faced four unbeaten opponents in his young career. He takes on his toughest challenge yet in Montgomery, a dangerous puncher with 18 knockouts in 20 victories.
“I am very blessed and honored to be coming back to Puerto Rico for another blockbuster fight against a skilled, experienced and worthy opponent,” said Pagan. “These are the moments that any fighter aspiring to be a world champion dreams of, and I am going to seize the moment. On October 23, there will be fireworks in Puerto Rico.”
“I know I’m coming into this fight as an underdog,” said Montgomery. ”It’s a position I’ve been in my whole entire life. So, I’m feeling right at home and ready to show everybody what I’ve been working for. Thank you to my team and my fans who have supported me up to this moment”
The co-feature will showcase undefeated featherweight Ashleyann Lozada (2-0, 1 KO) in her first professional fight on her home island. Lozada made history as Puerto Rico’s first female Olympic boxer when she competed at the Paris Games in 2024.
She turned pro in February with a unanimous decision victory in Flint, then returned in June during International Boxing Hall of Fame weekend in Verona, NY, where she impressed a knowledgeable crowd with her blend of speed and power, stopping Carmen Vargas inside the opening two minutes. Lozada, widely regarded as one of the top female prospects in the sport, will make her highly anticipated San Juan debut against an opponent to be announced.
“This is going to be a special night of boxing in Puerto Rico,” said Dmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions. “JJ Pagan has shown tremendous talent, skill, and willingness to take on tough challenges early in his career, and Maliek Montgomery is a big puncher who will test him in ways no opponent has before. With the NABO title on the line, both fighters know this is their chance to take the next big step. To also showcase Ashleyann Lozada, along with other promising Puerto Rican prospects reflects our deep commitment to building the sport here and especially advancing women’s boxing. Salita Promotions is proud to partner with Universal Promotions to deliver a world-class event for the passionate Puerto Rican boxing fans.”
The undercard card will highlight three more of Puerto Rico’s brightest boxing stars: undefeated featherweight Felix Parrilla (11-0, 9 KOs), considered one of the island’s top prospects, rising star junior lightweight William “Yeyo” Colón (7-0, 4KOs), and Kiria Tapia (7-0, 1 KO).
Another highly anticipated undercard clash will feature Carlos Arrieta (16-1, 9 KOs) against Alfredo “El Salsero” Cruz (9-3-1, 5 KOs).
More details on the full fight card, tickets, and broadcast information will be announced soon.