By Ian Aldous: Dmitriy Salita (33-1-1) is on a mission to become a World Champion. Following his failed challenge for the World Boxing Association (WBA) light-welterweight title against Amir Khan, he’s moved up to welterweight. He also has his own successful promotional company, Salita Promotions. At only 29 years of age, Dmitriy certainly has a lot to offer the sport in the coming years.

You’ve moved up to the welterweight division since your World title defeat. Are there any big names in the division that you want to compete against?

DS “I’m always working on big fights. I fought three times within the last year and I’m looking for the big fights. I’ve been working with Emmanuel Steward and he’s been a great benefit to me.”

How far do you feel that you are away from gaining another chance at a World championship?

DS “I think it can happen at any moment, I think I’m there right now and it’s just a matter of making it happen.”

It’s just over a year and a half since your World title challenge. What are your thoughts now when you reflect on the fight?

DS “I really wished the fight would have been in the United States or a neutral venue. I mean, Amir’s a great fighter but it was kind of tough in Newcastle but you live and you learn. I certainly made some changes after that fight and look forward to showing them soon.”

Amir keeps calling for a fight with Floyd Mayweather. Can he compete with one of the best P4P fighters on the planet?

DS “Well, I’ve been to camp with Floyd and I’ve boxed with him many times. I think that Amir Khan has progressed greatly since his fight with Prescott and I give Amir a very good chance. He’s got a very good team of people that he’s working with and it seems to be working very well for him.”

Tell us about your promotional company, Salita Promotions.

DS “We had a show a couple weeks ago in Brooklyn, New York. We’ve had five successful shows in the last year and I’m very excited about it, you know, I kind of know boxing from many sides of the sport and I’m excited to help it grow and for it to be a mainstay in boxing.”

When will we see you in action next?

DS “I’m looking to fight sometime in the fall.”

Please visit the official site of Dmitriy Salita and Salita Promotions: www.dsalita.com