They grew up on opposite sides of the County of Kings, and come from completely different spectrums of life. One an Orthodox Jew and the other a Puerto Rican-American, who grew up getting in trouble with gangs, eventually serving a six-year prison sentence. They each took to boxing at a very young age, and a matchup between the two has been talked about since both were competing in the NY Golden Gloves many years ago.
On November 9, their worlds will finally collide when Gabriel “Tito” Bracero (22-1, 4KO’s) and Dmitriy “Star of David” Salita (35-1-1, 18KO’s) square off in a 10-round crossroads welterweight showdown at the Aviator Sports and Events Center in Brooklyn, NY. The much anticipated bout is being promoted by DiBella Entertainment, in association with Star of David Promotions, and will be the feature bout of the evening on this special-edition Saturday Broadway Boxing.
“I am very excited sitting here today. I literally have the chills I am that excited. This has been a fight that has been talked about for a very long time,” stated Bracero at the initial press conference to announce the anticipated matchup.
“This is a true crossroads, NYC neighborhood battle. There hasn’t been a fight this big here in a very long time. I have a lot of respect for Gabe, I know what type of fighter he is, I know he is a warrior, but I am very focused and there is no doubt in my mind that I will come out victorious come November 9,” said the former world-title challenger Salita.
Bracero echoed similar sentiments on the importance of the bout for both fighters’ careers.
“I have known Dmitriy for many years. Outside of the ring, we are friends, but come November 9, that all goes out the window. It’s business time. November 9 is an opportunity for both of us. We are both in our thirties and we both have one loss on our records. This is an important fight not only for me and Dmitriy, but for the fans. This is an opportunity for me not to only make a statement, but to move on to the next level. I have been waiting for this opportunity for a very long time. I am very confident and there is no doubt in my mind that I will be handling my business come November 9.
The winner of the bout on Saturday night takes a major step toward a significant fight in the loaded 140-147lb. divisions. A loss will be absolutely devastating for their careers.
