Grand Rapids’ undefeated rising star Joshua “Double J” Pagan will headline Salita Promotions’ ‘Big Time Boxing’ event on Oct. 23 in Puerto Rico.
Pagan (13-0, 4 KOs) faces power-punching contender Maliek Montgomery (20-1, 18 KOs) for the vacant NABO lightweight title.
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The fight presented by Salita Promotions and Universal Promotions will broadcast live on DAZN from the Coliseíto Pedrín Zorrilla in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
The matchup was made possible by a collaborative effort between Salita Promotions and Overtime Boxing who promotes Montgomery.
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 to world title contention.
Pagan, one of boxing’s fastest-rising young stars, enters the title fight following a string of impressive performances and steady momentum throughout the year.
Hailing and fighting out of Grand Rapids, MI., Pagan has spent the latter part of training camp in Fort Lauderdale, FL. The Puerto Rican standout says this camp has been about evolution and refinement as he prepares for his toughest test yet.
“We learned a lot from the last fight,” said Pagan. “Each time I take something new and improve. This is the toughest fight of my career, and we’re coming to be the best version of ourselves. He’s [Montgomery] hungry to climb back up, and that makes him dangerous, but we both have a lot to gain. I’ve always wanted the kind of fights that make me grow. I want all the toughest fights, that’s what defines me as a fighter.”
“This is one of the best prospect fights in the sport,” said Dmitriy Salita, president of Salita Promotions. “It’s a true crossroads matchup where the winner will emerge as a bona fide world title contender in one of boxing’s most exciting divisions. Joshua and his father have consistently asked for the toughest fights and best opponents and they have answered the call each and every time. We’re proud to collaborate with top promoters to give boxing fans and the fighters we represent the best possible opportunities. This is a highly competitive, pick ’em fight with all the ingredients to deliver fireworks.”
Pagan has spent this camp sharpening his timing and technique under the guidance of his father and trainer, Tony Pagan, whose voice has been a constant presence throughout his life.
“My dad’s always in my corner and pushes me in ways nobody else can. He sees things others don’t,” said Pagan. “Hearing his voice changes my mindset. We can separate father and trainer, but he’s the one who makes me dig deep. We have a mission and we won’t stop until we get to the finish line.”
For Pagan, who carries deep roots in Puerto Rico, the opportunity to headline for the second time on the island carries deep personal significance. His late grandfather, who was instrumental in his career, was born and raised in Puerto Rico, and each trip back serves as a reminder of the family legacy that fuels his journey.
Adding to the significance of this camp was the influence of Puerto Rican legend Iván Calderón, who opened his gym and offered valuable insight during Pagan’s preparation.
“It’s a blessing to fight in Puerto Rico in front of my family,” he said. “My grandfather’s from here, and it feels like everything’s coming full circle. I grew up watching Trinidad, Cotto, and Benítez. They shaped me. This fight is about continuing that legacy and representing where I come from. Iván gave us great work and advice,” said Pagan. “He’s one of the many inspirations who have helped shape my mindset as a fighter and prepare me for big opportunities like this.”
With a nutritionist and strength coach Bobby Logan overseeing his conditioning, Pagan says he’ll enter fight night in the best shape of his career, physically primed and mentally ready to deliver an explosive performance before his home crowd.
Montgomery, a proven power-puncher from Macon, Georgia, and promoted by Overtime Boxing is equally motivated as he looks to rebound from his loss against Jeremy Hill earlier this year in his first bout at 135 pounds. Also trained by his father, Michael Montgomery Sr., Maliek says this camp has been about rediscovering rhythm and returning to his essence, emphasizing timing, conditioning, and adaptability.
“We’ve been getting great work with guys who emulate (Pagan’s) height and style,” said Montgomery. “He’s a solid fighter — disciplined, patient, and when he finds rhythm, it can be hard to break. But that’s exactly what we’ve trained for. I’ve been sparring guys of all sizes and getting quality rounds to make sure I can adjust to anything he brings.”
For Montgomery, the stakes are personal and psychological as much as physical.
“My last performance is my motivation,” he admitted. “We’ve been the underdogs my whole life. Now we’re going into Puerto Rico where Pagan is favored — and that brings pressure — but pressure makes diamonds. My family keeps me grounded and reminds me what I’m fighting for.”
Known for his relentless, high-volume style reminiscent of Aaron Pryor, Montgomery expects an all-action fight from the opening bell.
“He’s patient and finds rhythm, but I plan to break that rhythm early,” said Montgomery. “This fight’s going to be high-speed, high-pressure, and full of exchanges. I’m coming forward, not backing down. On October 23, people will see new layers to my game. My hands will speak for themselves.”
“At OTX (Overtime Boxing), our mission has always been about building stars - not just fighters. From contenders to world champions, we’ve proudly been part of that journey,” said Britton Hardin, Senior Director, Fighter Operations at OTX. “Maliek represents everything we believe in at OTX: talent, heart, and the hunger to be great, which is why we’re supporting him every step of the way. Though he faced a setback, he’s more locked in than ever. This is just a chapter in the story of his rise, from Georgia to the global stage, as a future force in the lightweight division.”
For Pagan, a victory in Puerto Rico cements his place among the island’s next generation of boxing stars and positions him for a 2026 title shot.
For Montgomery, a statement win on the road would reset his trajectory and thrust him back into the conversation among the division’s elite.
The BIG TIME BOXING USA event will feature an action-packed lineup of elite matchups headlined by Pagan vs. Montgomery, along with Puerto Rican Olympian Ashleyann Lozada making her first bout in her hometown, all broadcast live on DAZN.
This event marks the BIG TIME BOXING series’ third visit to Puerto Rico in the past year.