A Boxing Match

In an article called “Orthodox Jewish Boxer ‘Star of David’ to Vie for Crown” by Oren Kessler a correspondent for Haartz.com, discusses an upcoming boxing match between a Muslim and Jewish boxer. The Article gives us a little history on the two individuals who are fighting in December for the WBA light-welterweight crown.

Dmitriy Salita was born in the Ukraine, where he and his family experienced intolerance because of his religion. In the article, it is said that this intolerance made it difficult for Salita to be proud of being Jewish. In Odessa, Ukraine Salita recalls the difficulty his family experienced. It was difficult to find prestigious jobs, and receive schooling at high-ranking schools. Salita also mentions his father purchasing a gun, because of the violence against Jews. At the age of nine Salita his family came to the U.S to settle in New York, where they expect not to be covert about their religious beliefs. It was in New York where he found an interest in boxing.  At the age of twenty-one Salita become a professional boxer. 

In New York Salita trained with Zabdiel Judah, he is a well known in the boxing world and interestingly enough an avowed Black Hebrew Israelite. As a teenager Salita became involved in Chabad movement. Salita has a Chabad emissary who travels with him to prepare his food.  In the article he is quoted as saying that he will never fight on Shabbat. Salita remains unbeaten in his boxing matches. He holds a very large American fan base. The media has been excited about the fight he will engage with Amir Khan simply because Khan Muslim. The tension between Muslim and Jews is nothing new and this fight literally puts them in the ring. The fact that you have these to opposing cultures and two individuals who are strong believers of their faith literally fighting in a ring has given the media a field day. This also helps in advertising for the fight.

Amir Khan was born in Manchester, and his parents are from Pakistan. He is also an extremely good fighter and has won the WBA title.

Since this article is mostly about two individuals and a boxing match the reliability seems to be pretty accurate. The article gives a backstory to both individuals, although that of Amir Khan is not very rich. The reality is that it is a Jewish newspaper and writing about someone who shares the same beliefs and his accomplishments should be expected. This article as a whole seems reliable and informative. It also gives insight to just how present religion is in peculiar fields such as boxing.