Grand Rapids native and NABO Lightweight Champion Joshua Pagan defeated Bryan Jimenez by unanimous decision in his first hometown fight, stamping his name as a formidable contender in the division.
The bout on Feb. 10 was in front of an energized hometown crowd for Pagan’s first title defense against tough veteran, Jimenez. Pagan displayed the boxing prowess and ring generalship that fight fans are accustomed to seeing from him.
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An educated jab, timely counter right-hands and excellent footwork allowed him to control the range and pace of the fight as Jimenez tried to close the distance.
In the fourth round, Pagan landed sharp left hooks and clean combinations that shifted momentum. He continued to dictate distance and pace, using angles and speed to keep Jimenez off balance.
Jimenez rallied in the sixth round and landed effective punches that left bruising under Pagan’s left eye, but the champion maintained control down the stretch.
With the crowd on its feet in the final round, Pagan closed strong in a competitive bout that went the distance. Judges scored the fight 99-91, 99-91 and 100-90, awarding Pagan a unanimous decision victory in his first successful defense of the NABO Lightweight Championship.
“I want to give all glory to God,” Pagan said. “He was a tough opponent, and we expected and prepared for what he brought tonight, but we got the job done. I want to fight everyone in the division, and I welcome all challenges. We aren’t backing down from anyone.”
President of Salita Promotions, Dmitriy Salita praised the performance and the atmosphere.
“The state of Michigan has produced some of the greatest fighters in the sport, and JJ is one of those guys,” Salita said. “He continues to progress, and I believe he’s ready to face the top names in the division. Nights like this show what Michigan boxing is about.”
In the co-main event, Caroline Veyre (11-1) moved up in weight and outworked veteran contender Delfine Persoon (50-4, 20 KOs) to win the vacant WBC Women’s Super Featherweight World Championship by unanimous decision.
Persoon applied constant pressure from the opening bell, leaning on her experience and trademark aggression. Veyre remained composed, in intense and awkward situations countering effectively and investing in body work to slow Persoon’s forward momentum. Her left hook proved a key weapon throughout the contest.
The bout featured multiple point deductions. Persoon was docked two points for punches to the back of the head, and Veyre was deducted two points for holding. Swelling developed around Veyre’s left eye by the fourth round, but she continued to box effectively from the center of the ring, using her jab to maintain distance.
After 10 rounds, judges scored the fight 95-91, 94-92 and 98-88 in favor of Veyre.
“I worked extremely hard for this moment,” Veyre said. “I’m thankful for the opportunity. I’ll sit down with my team and see what’s next at 130 pounds. I’m willing to fight anyone.”
Salita said the championship bout reflected the passion of Michigan fight fans.
“It was a tough, competitive fight,” Salita said. “You could feel the crowd reacting to every exchange. That’s what championship boxing is supposed to look like.”
Opening the DAZN telecast, Flint heavyweight Sardius Simmons (6-0, 3 KOs) earned a unanimous decision over Jonathan Rice (5-4, 3 KOs).
After competitive early rounds, Simmons found his rhythm, working effectively on the inside and displaying improved combination punching and defensive movement.
Fighting at the highest weight of his career, he used his size and strength to control the action. Judges scored the bout 58-56, 59-55 and 58-56.
Flint lightweight Garrett Rice Jr. (2-0, 1 KO) continued his professional development with a four-round unanimous decision over Charles Scott Jr. (0-2).
Rice showcased his hand speed and amateur pedigree, applying steady pressure and landing clean body shots throughout.
All three judges scored the contest 40-36.
In non-televised action, Ulysses Campos improved to 5-0 with five knockouts, scoring a second-round TKO in a statement performance that maintained his perfect stoppage rate.
Middleweight Joseph Hicks (13-1, 8 KOs) earned a unanimous decision victory in a six-round contest, using measured pressure and clean combinations to secure the win.
In an eight-round junior middleweight bout, Justin Lacey-Pierce and Jose Sanchez battled to a split draw in a closely contested fight that saw momentum swing back and forth throughout the contest.
With a hometown champion defending his title, a new world champion crowned and rising Michigan prospects featured on a global DAZN platform, Salita Promotions once again delivered a championship-level fight night that underscored its commitment to bringing meaningful, high-stakes boxing back to the state.