(JTA) — Orthodox Jewish boxer Dmitriy Salita scored a knockout in the third round to take the vacant New York State welterweight title.
Salita, of Brooklyn, N.Y., defeated James Wayka on Dec. 16 at the Roseland Ballroom in Manhattan. Wayka was brought in as a substitute at the last minute for the ill Mike Anchondo, whom Salita was slated to fight for the International Boxing Association welterweight title.
The reggae artist Matisyahu rapped as Salita made his way to the ring as the headliner for the nine-fight card.
Salita raised his record to 32-1-1 with 17 knockouts.
