Salita Insists Jermain Franklin’s Lawsuit Is “Frivolous”

With news arriving earlier this week that Jermaine Franklin had sued Dmitry Salita, specifically his company Salita Promotions over the percentages they are entitled to when they’re not actively promoting, co-promoting or involved in a pruse bid, the fighter-turned-promoter has hit back at Franklin’s claims. Though Jermaine Franklin initiated a case against Salita last Friday ― just a week before his fight with Anthony Joshua, the American fighter has been tight-lipped about his case whereas Dmitry Salita has not.

“It’s a frivolous claim.” Dmitry Salita said in response to the leak of Jermaine Franklin (21-1, 14 KO’s) suing him. “In the United States, anyone can file a suit against anyone for anything, but my legal team is going to shed truth and light on this and go after those responsible for wasting the court’s time.”

As stated earlier, Jermaine Franklin has refused to utter a word about his case. Franklin signed on to Salita Promotions four years ago through a contract that would see him share profits with the promotion, based on a variety of factors including ticket sales and TV rights.

While Salita is known to exuberantly market his stable of fighters, Franklin’s own lawsuit suggests this doesn’t translate to the negotiation tables. With Dmitry Salita allegedly having pressured Jermaine Franklin into accepting his last two fights before Anthony Joshua for less percentages ― amongst other allegations, Salita seems quite aware of how serious this case is given his reputation is at stake.

“It is quite damaging because the narrative in the boxing business has been that the promoter is the villain, and the fighter is the victim but I don’t know what that is based on.” Dmitry Salita said.

“All of his fights with me have been significantly bigger earnings than he’s made prior to me. He had a great opportunity and career-high payday with Dillian Whyte, (has) an amazing opportunity with Anthony Joshua. He is now on the verge of being a bonafide superstar. That’s my job as a promoter, and I’m very happy that I delivered.“

Though Jermaine Franklin did receive the opportunities to face Heavyweights Dillian Whyte (29-3, 19 KO’s) and Anthony Joshua (24-3, 22 KO’s), it is important to note that Salita did not promote or co-promote these fights, and the lawsuit even alleges how Salita Promotions had tried to take a cut out of Jermaine Franklin’s earnings for Anthony Joshua when they had no real stake or role in this match-up other than approving Franklin to fight.

Salita Insists Jermain Franklin's Lawsuit Is 'Frivolous' image 1 — Jermaine Franklin (R) alleges in his lawsuit that Dmitry Salita forced an ultimatum on him when Matchroom offered the Anthony Joshua (L) fight, an ultimatum which subsequently saw part of Franklin’s earnings for his April 1st fight go towards Salita Promotions, despite them not being involved as a promoter, co-promoter or the winner of a purse bid. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)

This is not the first case a Dmitry Salita has been involved in a lawsuit with a fighter. In 2020, Super Lightweight contender, Shohjahon Ergashev (23-0, 20 KO’s), had signed an exclusive deal to be promoted by Salita and was forced into a legal battle when Ergashev was discovered to have another fight scheduled; one that hadn’t been approved nor arranged by Salita Promotions. The two eventually managed to hash things out and Ergashev has since then re-signed with the promotion in 2022.

Salita also responded to the apparent interest of Jermaine Franklin to sign with Matchroom if that was an option, and the promoter initially showed surprise at the news.

“This is the first time I’m hearing about this. We have an exclusive promotional agreement that has a significant amount of time on it.” Dmitry Salita responded. “It is legally not accurate and he can not sign with Matchroom.“

Salita’s words suggest that Jermaine Franklin’s contract with Salita Promotions is not to expire anytime soon, making it nigh but impossible for Franklin to move to another boxing promotion. There is a chance, however, that depending on the legal proceedings between the two parties, Jermaine Franklin can somehow maneuver himself legally out of his deal with Dmitry Salita and his promotion if the court case goes in the fighter’s favor.

Despite the circumstances of a potential conflict between Jermaine Franklin and his promoter, the fighter has already stated to be ready for his fight with Anthony Joshua. When asked if his case against Salita affected him in any way, Jermaine Franklin was confident in his answers as always.

“No, not at all.” The American fighter said with no hint of uncertainty to him.