Demetrius Banks Detroit RCM Interview: I Beat Salas and I’ll Beat Junior Wright

Demetrius Banks Detroit Interview: I Beat Salas and I’ll Beat Junior Wright

By Robert Brizel, Head Real Combat Media Boxing Correspondent

In a real combat media interview exclusive from Detroit, Michigan, undefeated Kronk Gym cruiserweight prospect Demetrius ‘D-Bank’ Banks of Detroit, age 35, fresh off an impressive win over Emilio Salas on May 13, 2016, in the main event of a Dmitriy Salita Promotions card at Masonic Temple of Detroit, in which he decked Salas three times en route to winning the decision, is now calling out Salita cruiserweight Junior Wright for a ten rounder. Banks and Wright know each other quite well, having spent time together as part of the Midwest regional team for the USA Nationals when they were amateurs.

Banks, now 7-0 with four knockouts, is seriously considering going down to light heavyweight after weighing 198 pounds for the Salas bout, which he won by six round unanimous decision after decking Salas twice in the second round, and again in the third round, giving the rough tough Salas a good beating before the hometown Detroit crowd.

Robert Brizel: “How did you feel beating Emilio Salas over six rounds this past weekend?”

D-Bank: “It was my first time going six rounds. Promoter Dmitriy Salita asked me if I was willing to fight for him again in June 2016. I‘m possibly looking at a six to eight rounder in my next bout in Detroit next month.”

Robert Brizel: “10-1 Russian cruiserweight Alexey Zubov, another Dmitriy Salita cruiseweight fighter, beat Damon McCreary on the undercard before your bout.”

D-Bank: “I’ve saw Alexey Zubov fight. I’m impressed. Fundamentally he’s got good skills. I don’t believe we will ever fight each other, however.”

Robert Brizel: “You are not under contract to anyone presently. Prevoiusly, you have been involved in discussions about the possibility of fighting Dmitriy Salita’s other cruiserweight Anthony Junior Wright.”

D-Bank: “A fight between Junior Wright and me can be a reality (in the future). In table discussions with Salita after the Salas bout, we discussed it and it didn’t seem likely yet.”

Robert Brizel: “Can you beat Junior Wright? Or are you afraid of him?”

D-Bank: “I don’t know the word fear. With the proper game plan, I can beat him! I’m familiar with Junior. We traveled together when we were both on the Midwest regional team for the amateur USA Nationals. He was in the 178 pound class. I was in the 201 pound class. We slept in the same dorm room together. We played basketball together. I cut his hair. I knew his coach. We first met in Illinois in the amateur regionals, and then we both won and went on to the national tournament.”

Robert Brizel: “You knocked Emilio Salas down twice in the second round, and again in the third round. Salas is a tough cruiserweight, and you surprised him with your awesome power.”

D-Bank: “Salas was dizzy after I hit him. Salas went down and was rolling around on the floor trying to get up. I wobbled him when he got up. He went down again. The referee gave him a standing eight count. The ten second bell went off. I hit Salas with a solid lead right, followed by a left hook, and then he was saved by the bell.”

Robert Brizel: “Tell me about round three.”

D-Bank: “I hurt him with some more counter body shots as he was leading with his left hand. I dropped Salas again. Salas was trying to break me mentally, (acting) like what I was doing was nothing. He was just a tough customer. He was ready to go in the second round. He somehow survived the six round distance, but he couldn’t win any rounds.”

Robert Brizel: “Before (several months ago when we first met and spoke over the telephone) we discussed the possibility of a fight between you and Junior Wright.”

D-Bank: “I’m definitely open to the idea of fighting Junior Wright. At the end of the day, it has to make sense businesswise for both fighters.”

Robert Brizel: “Are you willing to fight a 10 rounder later in 2016 for the vacant Michigan State and USBO cruiserweight titles with Junior Wright?”

D-Bank: “Yes. However, winning a decision over Emilio Salas this past weekend was my first time going six rounds. Dmitriy Salita then asked me if I was willing to fight again for him in June. I’m possibly looking at an eight rounder in my next fight with Salita (if it happens). I don’t think a fight between me and Junior Wright would be my next bout.”

Robert Brizel: “Can you beat Junior Wright in a USBO regional cruiserweight title bout?”

D-Bank: “With the proper game plan, I can beat him! I don’t have to look for him. Not to discredit Junior and his trainers, he’ll be right there for me to hit, and I will get the job done. Junior is a tough kid, he comes to fight, he’s well-conditioned, and tries to overwhelm his opponents BUT if the fight between me and Junior is to happen, it will be his downfall. I’m the matador, he’s the bull, and Ill slay the bull!”

Robert Brizel: “Would you fight Junior Wright on a Dmitriy Salita card in Detroit?”

D-Bank: “I don’t (necessarily) have to fight Junior Wright in Detroit. I’ll fight him anywhere! (In actuality) I believe I perform better away from home, with less pressure and less fan expectations.”

Robert Brizel: “Is Junior Wright an opportunity bout for you?”

D-Bank: “I’m ready to fight! I want opportunities. I’ve got a family to feed, and mouths to feed. If possible, it can be anybody (I will fight anybody put in front of me in the ring). I can beat Junior Wright, I can beat all of them. There’s nothing slick about the guy (Junior Wright). Anyone who stands in front of me is gonna feel my power!”

Robert Brizel: “You weighed in at 198 pounds cruiserweight, and Salas weighed in at 201 pounds heavyweight. You entered the ring heavier. Are the cruiserweight and heavyweight weight classes where you ultimately want to be?”

D-Bank: “I actually came in during preparations for the Salas bout a little underweight. I’m not really a cruiserweight. I gained weight for the Salas bout (Michigan has a rule that the fighters have to be within seven bouts of each other for the bout to take place). More than likely, before the year is over, I will be a light heavyweight. Tell the guys (boxing out there in the division) to get ready! D-Bank is coming.”