The heat is rising in Puerto Rico as the stars of BIG TIME BOXING USA came face-to-face today ahead of Thursday’s highly anticipated card, now taking place at Coliseo Roberto Clemente in San Juan.
Headlined by Joshua “Double J” Pagan (13-0, 4 KOs) and Maliek “Mayhem” Montgomery (20-1, 18 KOs) battling in a 10-round clash for the NABO Lightweight title, the event promises a night of world-class boxing featuring some of the sport’s most exciting prospects, including Puerto Rico’s first-ever female Olympic boxer Ashleyann Lozada (2-0, 1KO) facing Melissa Parker (6-3-1, 2KOs) in an 8-round matchup for the WBC Latino title, Felix Parrilla (11-0, 9KO’s) who will take on Kenneth Taylor (15-5-2, 6KO’s) and Kiria Tapia (7-0 1KO) vs. Marianela Ramirez (13-9-2, 6KO’s)
Presented by Salita Promotions in association with Universal Promotions, the event will stream live worldwide on DAZN (8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT) and feature four excellent matchups.
Tickets for the event are on sale and can be purchased at: PRticket.com
Promoters Dmitriy Salita of Salita Promotions and Javier Bustillo of Universal Promotions announced the move to the iconic Coliseo Roberto Clemente, marking an exciting upgrade and new home for Thursday night’s stacked card.
“It’s been an honor to work with Javier Bustillo to bring world-class fights to Puerto Rico,” said Salita. “I want to thank the city and the commission for helping us bring this event to one of the island’s most historic and beloved venues. Fans are going to witness an incredible night of boxing that captures the spirit and passion of Puerto Rico.”
Bustillo added, “We’re proud to bring ‘Big Time Boxing Puerto Rico’ to a venue that represents the heart of sports and culture on the island. Coliseo Roberto Clemente is an iconic setting for an event of this caliber, and our priority has always been to ensure a safe, seamless, and memorable experience for every fan in attendance.”
With the stage reset and excitement building, all eyes are now on the fighters who’ll headline a matchup destined to shake up the lightweight division’s landscape.
The clash between Pagan and Montgomery has quickly become one of the most anticipated lightweight matchups of the year, a true collision of precision versus power with the NABO Lightweight Title on the line.
The undefeated Pagan steps into the spotlight for the biggest fight of his career. The Puerto Rican-American standout and three-time Golden Gloves Champion from Grand Rapids, Mich., is known for his technical precision and composure under pressure. Pagan has quickly established himself as one of the sport’s most skilled young tacticians. His last outing, against James Bernadin at International Boxing Hall of Fame induction weekend, saw Pagan deliver a decisive unanimous decision victory. On that night, Pagan showcased his ability to control distance and tempo against step-up competition. Now, he faces another step up against Montgomery.
“I just want to say, muchas gracias to my fellow Puerto Ricans for opening your doors to me, and just allowing me to be here and make this opportunity a reality for the second time headlining in this beautiful city,” said Pagan. “I want to thank Dmitriy Salita, Universal Promotions, Aaron Sampson, and my whole team for getting me in this position and getting me ready for this fight. The stakes are high, and I’m just ready to go out and perform.”
Across from Pagan is Montgomery, a relentless power puncher hailing from Macon, Ga., whose 18 knockouts in 20 wins speak volumes about his aggressive style and finishing instinct. A two-time National Golden Gloves Champion and 2016 Olympic Trials runner-up, Montgomery has been tested against top-tier opponents and brings a fiery determination to reclaim his place among the sport’s elite.
“I want to thank all of the promoters for working together to put this show together and allow me this opportunity to put my skills on full display on such a big card like this,” said Montgomery. “I’m looking to bring the fireworks come Thursday and show the world and people of Puerto Rico what I’m made of. I’ve been here numerous times before. I’m used to being the underdog, and what better place to show my skill than the beautiful island of Puerto Rico.”
“I think this will easily be the fight of the year,” said Montgomery.
After a face-to-face meeting that ignited anticipation ahead of fight night, Salita and Javier Bustillo hosted a virtual press conference along with Overtime Boxing’s Britton Hardin, who promotes Montgomery, to connect with media across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, bringing additional intensity, insight, and spirited exchanges between both camps as fight night draws near. The virtual media event was joined by Boxing Scene’s Lucas Kettelle, Fight Hype’s Ron Goodall, Matt Brown from Brunch Boxing, and Jay Mah at SportBox TV Official.
Hardin, Senior Director of Fighter Operations at Overtime Boxing, emphasized the importance of promoter collaboration. “Now is the time for promoters to work together,” said Hardin. “When we formed OTX, our goal was to remove the knives and bring great fights to the fans. This partnership with Salita and Universal Promotions is exactly that. Maliek deserves this opportunity to jump up in weight for a title, and when he wins, we’re knocking on the door of everyone else for the next biggest fights.”
At one point, Hardin turned the tables and questioned Salita directly — would the fight have happened if Montgomery hadn’t lost his previous bout? Salita didn’t hesitate. “Absolutely,” he said.
The exchange drew a grin from both Montgomery and Hardin, a brief but telling moment that captured the underlying competitive rivalry between the two sides. Salita later added, “The longer the fight goes, the better it favors JJ. He has superior conditioning.” The comment drew knowing smiles from the OTX corner, with both Hardin and Montgomery flashing a devilish grin.
When Fight Hype’s Goodall asked Pagan why fans should tune in despite Montgomery’s reputation as the heavier puncher, the undefeated lightweight responded confidently.
“While I don’t bring the knockouts, I bring excitement to the ring,” said Pagan. Calm and composed throughout, he also brushed off questions about Montgomery’s pressure-fighting style, adding, “While Maliek is hungry, I’m hungrier.”
During the call, Montgomery confirmed he’s on track and focused after bringing in a nutritionist to address previous weight challenges. When SportBox TV raised the question, he smiled and replied, “I’m on weight now and ready to go.”
Salita praised the cooperation on the call that made this event possible.
“It’s been an honor to work with Bustillo and Britton to bring world-class fights to Puerto Rico,” said Salita. “Fans are going to witness an incredible night of boxing that showcases the island’s passion for the sport.”
Bustillo, the president of Universal Promotions, spoke on the logistical shift and the excitement from the local community.
“We are grateful to the city of Puerto Rico for helping us upgrade our venue to Roberto Clemente Coliseo,” said Bustillo. “We wanted to ensure fans have a safe and seamless experience while the city continues to address water issues. The people of Puerto Rico are ready. Thursday night will show the hard work we’ve put in to bring top-level boxing back to the island.”
Puerto Rico’s rising stars will also take center stage on Thursday night, as three of the island’s top talents return to action in front of a hometown crowd.
Ashleyann Lozada (2-0, 1 KO) — the first Puerto Rican woman ever to compete in the Olympics will face Melissa Parker (6-3-1, 2 KOs) for the WBC Latino Title, marking a major milestone early in her professional career. Lozada’s technical prowess and poise make her a standout, while Parker brings years of experience and resilience. The bout represents both a homecoming and a proving ground for Lozada as she looks to solidify her rise in the professional ranks.
“I’m very happy and grateful for this opportunity to fight for a WBC Latino title in just my third bout,” said Lozada. “I know the quality of my opponent, and I’m ready to put on a great show Thursday night at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum.”
Unbeaten featherweight Felix Parrilla (12-0, 9 KOs) returns home to face veteran Kenneth Taylor (15-5-2, 6 KOs) in what’s shaping up to be a statement fight. Parrilla, a heavy-handed southpaw from Bayamón, continues to build momentum with each outing, known for his combination punching and relentless pace. Taylor, a crafty American with big-fight experience, poses a meaningful test—bringing toughness, reach, and ring savvy that could push Parrilla to his limits. Expect a showcase of youth versus experience in one of the night’s most anticipated undercard bouts.
“I’m grateful to Bustillo and Salita for trusting me and allowing me to be part of this great card,” said Parrilla. “I’m stepping into the ring to put on a great show and make a strong impression live on DAZN.”
Kiria Tapia (7-0, 1 KO) will face Argentina’s Marianela Ramirez (13-9-2, 6 KOs) in a high-energy clash that blends Tapia’s speed and athleticism with Ramirez’s gritty, veteran style. Tapia, a former amateur standout and rising star, continues to prove why she’s one of Puerto Rico’s most exciting female prospects. Ramirez, who’s fought across multiple continents, brings experience and pressure—making this a stylistic collision fans won’t want to miss.
“I’m well prepared to put on a great show this Thursday at the Clemente,” said Tapia. “I’m excited to be fighting in San Juan, my backyard. We’re going all out to show that women’s boxing is at its best right now.”
The event is presented by Salita Promotions in association with Universal Promotions and will stream live worldwide on DAZN (8p ET/5p PT) and feature four excellent matchups.
