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12/22/2007 Archived Entry: "Dmitriy Salita--A Star at Sundown: Ortodox Stance"
Dmitriy Salita--A Star at Sundown: Ortodox Stance
By Jill Diamond
WBC Championship Committee
NABF Women's Division, Chair
World Boxing Cares, Chair
Dmitriy Salita
Its 10 AM on a drizzle New York morning and Steve Farhood and I are sitting at the Walter Reid Theater hoping the theater fills up and the curtain rises soon. We were invited to watch Orthodox Stance, the documentary Justin Hutt did on Jr. Welterweight, Dmitriy Salita. One wonders, how much is there to say about a very young person in a very old business. Obviously, someone thought it would make a good movie or why would they spend the time, money and expectations on eighty minutes of fluff.
The film starts, and there’s trainer, Jimmy O, working the phone, doing his thing. Soon, a pimply faced, red headed kid with a skull cap comes on screen, and damn it… he’s likeable. And from there on I’m compelled to pay attention and take note of this young man who was born in Odessa, Ukr. and came to the US at nine. My only wish was that more time had been spent on Dmitriy’s background – he says some very evocative things -- but it’s easy to do commentary after the fight, right?
Being an Orthodox Jew can contradict many of our modern concepts about life. Dmitriy seems to handle these boundaries with grace. One of my favorite moment is when a reporter asks Dmitriy if his religion, and it’s restrictions, are a problem for those who work with him. Basically, his snap answer is, “No.” This is America; and that’s why we came here.
I do recommend this film – it’s a very interesting look at someone reconciling their dreams with their faith – and perhaps, teaching us that they’re the same thing.
Jill: What will we learn from this film we don't already know?
Dmitriy: People will get an inside look at the challenges of most pro fighters that are sought after. They will also see some of my personal challenges and I think will understand me better as a person and my desire to be the best fighter in the world.
Jill: What brought about this collaboration?
Dmitriy: Jason Hutt who made the movie read about me in the Washington Post which had a feature article on me about 5 years ago, after that he got in contact with me. At first I thought it would last a week or two but days led to weeks to months etc., and it lasted 4 years. Jason was very respectful and really became part of the team.
Jill: What do you hope this film accomplishes?
Dmitriy: Well I hope that it will show the approach of Chabad and break some stereotypes of religious Jewish people. I hope it will make people boxing fans and make them come to my fight.
Jill: Do you find your orthodoxy to be an obstacle or an opportunity?
Dmitriy: I am an observant Jew. That is my essence regardless of what I would do that is who I am. Understanding Judaism and learning it helps you become a more mature human being.
Jill: What was your family's response to your choice of careers?
Dmitriy: Well, when I was younger and began to be more serious about boxing it certainly gave my family some concern. Now my family understands that this is my calling, my talent and something for me to pursue and to try to excel at. It makes them proud when I do well. Boxing is my American Dream; it's my way to a house and a white picket fence.
Jill: Who are your role models?
Dmitriy: I look up to my father. He is a big inspiration to me. Also my trainer/mentor Jimmy O is a special person in my life. Anyone that makes something out of themselves, I look up to.
Jill: A great moment?
Dmitriy: Winning the Golden Gloves at the Garden was a great feeling. Winning the NABA title as a pro was a great moment.
Jill: A sour one?
Dmitriy: In professional boxing, because of the kind of business, you have many sour moments. I’ve had my share.
Jill: What does faith mean to you?
Dmitriy: Faith I believe has to be worked at and developed. It's an important part of my life, and I am sure it’s the same for all peoples who believe in God.
Salita stands at far left in this photo, while fellow boxer Yuri Foreman, who beat Andrey Tsurkan for the NABF light middleweight title several weeks ago, is on the far right
Jill: Any fights coming up?
Dmitriy: Working on it, working through some sour moments.
Jill: Did working on this project distract you from your boxing?
Dmitriy: Not at all, Jason came to the gym every day and just kind of hung out at the gym. He became one of the crew. He never asked me to pose or do anything that I was not going to do. It was a good experience.
Jill: Immediate goals? Future ones?
Dmitriy: My immediate goal is to fight for the WBA Jr. welterweight title. A medium range goal is to fight Ricky Hatton.
Jill: How do you wish to be remembered?
Dmitriy: In boxing as one of the greatest fighters of all time.
* * *
Orthodox Stance opens on January 25th in New York and on January 26th in Los Angeles.
