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Grand Rapids native Pagan to defend lightweight title in front of hometown crowd in June

Salita Promotions brings local rising stars to Grand Rapids

Joshua Pagan with his hand raised after being named unanimous-decision winner. (Kyle Gordon, Salita Promotions)

GRAND RAPIDS – Grand Rapids native and WBO NABO Lightweight Champion Joshua “JJ” Pagan will make his second title defense against Mexico’s Rodolfo Bustamante Salazar on June 14 at GLC Live at 20 Monroe.

USBA Heavyweight Champion Brandon Moore (19-1, 10 KOs), and Michigan standouts including Flint heavyweight Sardius Simmons (7-0, 3 KOs), Detroit knockout artist Lance “Boogie” Smith (6-0, 5 KOs), Ann Arbor’s Jasmine Hampton (2-0, 2 KOs) and Flint rising prospect Jaquan McElroy (6-0, 2 KOs) are featured on the card.

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The June 14 event marks Salita Promotions’ second event at GLC Live at 20 Monroe and its third Michigan fight card of the year, further solidifying promoter Dmitriy Salita’s growing commitment to delivering meaningful, high-level boxing events across the state.

Dmitriy Salita speaking at Shields vs. Crews-Dezurn press conference. (frankosphotography.smugmugmug.com)

Known for consistently matching undefeated prospects and hometown favorites against credible, dangerous opposition, Salita continues to position Michigan as one of boxing’s emerging hotbeds for real fights, real stakes, and world-class talent.

“June 14th will be a star-studded fight card featuring some of boxing’s very best contenders and prospects, all matched in competitive fights as they climb toward world title opportunities”, said Dmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions.

Pagan (15-0, 5KOs) became a divisional “boogeyman” last October when he entered as an underdog and stopped the feared Maliek Montgomery in the ninth round of a blood-and-guts thriller.

Joshua Pagan lands uppercut on Maliek Montgomery. (Universal Promotions)

He followed the stoppage with a near-shutout performance on the scorecards during his first hometown fight against tough competitor Bryan Jimenez in February.

Joshua Pagan landing a jab against Bryan Jimenez. (Salita Promotions)

Now he welcomes Rodolfo Bustamante Salazar(23-1-1, 13KOs), a ten-year professional from Culiacán, Sinaloa and a familiar face on ESPN Knockout throughout Latin America, who makes his first trip outside of Mexico for the biggest fight of his career.

Salazar is tall and rangy with a boxer’s pedigree, but has shown a vulnerability to pressure that Pagan will look to exploit early and often. A decade of professional experience is nothing to dismiss, but Salazar has never faced an environment like this.

“Coming home in February to defend my belt in front of my city meant everything to me. Fighting in front of my people, that’s what I work for. Coming back here for my second title defense, in the same building, just tells me we’re doing something right,” said Pagan, who has earned a reputation as one of the division’s “boogeyman.” “I don’t really think about labels too much. I just know what I’m capable of. People look at me and don’t see a threat until it’s too late and honestly, I’m fine with that.”

Heavyweight powerhouse Brandon Moore (19-1, 10 KOs) returns to the ring for his third USBA Heavyweight Title defense, riding the momentum of a career-defining performance on September 19, 2025, at Detroit’s historic Fox Theatre, where he got a statement win over previously unbeaten hometown favorite DeAndre Savage — dropping him in the early rounds before cruising to a disciplined unanimous decision that silenced the crowd.

Brandon Moore lands a right hand on DeAndre Savage. (frankosphotography.smugmugmug.com)

Currently ranked by both the WBO and WBC, Moore has now defeated three consecutive undefeated fighters, establishing himself as the most dangerous big man in the Midwest.

Brandon Moore raising his hand after being named winner by unanimous decision. (Salita Promotions)

He now sets his sights on Gerald Washington (27-7-1 14 KO’s), a seasoned veteran who has shared the ring with Deontay Wilder, who he fought for the WBC World title, Jarrell Miller, and other elite heavyweights. Washington brings the kind of credibility that turns a win into a statement, and that is exactly what Moore is coming for.

Flint’s Sardius Simmons (7-0, 3 KOs), two-time National Golden Gloves Champion, returns to the ring following a dominating performance resulting in a unanimous decision in February on the Claressa Shields undercard at Little Caesars Arena. Simmons looks to take another step toward contention against Walter Burns (8-4, 6 KOs).

Sardius Simmons landing straight left hand against Dylan Potter. (andrewpotterphotto)

Burns carries a 75% knockout rate and enough experience to make this a credible test, but Simmons has the pedigree and skills to overcome any challenges Burns may bring.

Detroit’s Lance “Boogie” Smith (6-0, 5 KOs) squares off against the unbeaten Jovanis Rodriguez (2-0-2, 1 KO) of Tacoma, WA.

Lance Smith standing on the ring ropes after TKO victory. (Mikayla Monae Photography)

Smith is coming off a statement win on the Claressa Shields undercard by TKO – marking his fifth consecutive stoppage.

Lance Smith throwing punches at Jorge Vizcarrondo. (andrewpotterphotto)

A product of the legendary Superbad Gym under Tony and LJ Harrison, his 83% finish rate and razor-sharp “Detroit Style” have made him one of the most exciting welterweights in the region, and Rodriguez, durable and unbeaten, gives him just enough resistance to make another stoppage mean something.

Lance Smith and Jasmine Hampton posing for photos with Dmitriy Salita, L.J. and Tony Harrison and Superbad team. (andrewpotterphotto)

Also on the card, four undefeated prospects look to keep their records clean in Grand Rapids.

Ann Arbor’s Jasmine Hampton (2-0, 2 KOs) of Superbad Gym has yet to let an opponent see the final bell. The blue chip prospect is a 15x National Champion, and two time Junior Olympic National Champion.

Jasmine Hampton jabbing Agustina Vazquez. (andrewpotterphotto)
Jasmine Hampton arms raised after victory by TKO. (andrewpotterphotto)

Rounding out the group is Flint’s Jaquan McElroy (6-0, 2 KOs) — a product of Burston Field House, home gym of Claressa Shields, and a signed fighter under Claressa Promotions Promotions — carrying the weight of a legendary boxing city on his back.

Jaquan McElory landing a lead hook against Rudy Reveles. (frankosphotography.smugmugmug.com)
Jaquan McElory posing for a photo with Ed “Coach Bean” Kendall and Ardreal Holmes Jr. (Salita Promotions)

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