Brainstorming about Salita's Future Opponents

Whenever Dmitriy Salita's name is mentioned in a boxing website's forum or a comment section, it's never good. Critics consider him a bum. They site his first round loss to Amir Khan and the lack of quality wins on his resume. They resent his popularity when compared to his accomplishments in the ring.

It is fair to criticize Salita for going in soft. Khan is realistically the only good fighter Salita has faced and Dmitriy admittedly didn't perform well. That criticism of Salita is fair for two reasons. The first is Salita's talent. Sure, he doesn't have Khan's hand speed, but few do. Salita is a tremendously skilled guy; he's a smart boxer with decent power. It's a shame he hasn't put that talent to the test more often.

Secondly, Salita could be content to serve as a regional attraction. He would make money and people happy. But he's vocal about wanting more. He wants to be a world champion. He has the talent to do it. But winning a title requires one to tough foes time and again. At this point, Salita needs to keep taking a step up with each successive fight .

Here are a few names, without knowing their contractual situation or their willingness to fight Salita, that would mark the best win of Salita's career and help him towards becoming a better fighter.

Cosme Rivera (32-14-2, 23 KOs) - Beating Rivera is like a rite of passage for quality welterweights. He is the consummate stepping stone.

Mike Arnaoutis (22-7-2, 10 KOs) - A name guy who has lost 4 straight, all to quality foes.

Jose Miguel Cotto (34-2-1, 24 KOs) - A short, blown up lightweight. But he gave Saul Alvarez a good fight at junior middle. He faces Malignaggi tonight.

Lanardo Tyner (24-4-2, 15 KOs) - A short guy, whose best win is against Antwone Smith, a good fighter. Tyner tends to lose at that level though. He is 4-4-2 in his last 10 fights.

Lovemore N'dou (48-12-2, 31 KOs) - This 39 year old is 3-4-1 in his last 8 fights, but only loses to talented guys.

Steve Forbes (35-9, 11 KOs) - A veteran who always comes to fight. Would be a good test for Salita, but Forbes is likely too short and not powerful enough to beat him. Two Pound's 3-6 in his last 9.

Steve Chambers (23-1-1, 6 KOs) - Young, untested guy from Philly with limited power. Just beat the formerly undefeated Bayan Jargal, who still holds the title of best current nickname (the Mongolian Mongoose!), by split decision.

Terrance Cauthen (36-7, 9 KOs) - This slick southpaw veteran has beaten some good fighters. But Salita won't have to worry about his power. Cauthen's 4-4 in his last 8, all losses to quality guys.

Freddie Hernandez (29-2, 20 KOs) - Knocked out Mike Anchondo, who Salita was scheduled to fight, but was knocked out in the first round against world champion Andre Berto.

Demetrius Hopkins (30-2-1, 11 KOs) - Tested veteran who looked flat in his last fight.

Jesus Soto Karass (24-6-3, 16 KOs) - Hardnose veteran, who would show if Salita has championship mettle. He's lost his last 3 decisions.

Shamone Alvarez (21-4, 12 KOs) - Would mark another tough test for Salita. He's 1-3 in his last 4. Has a date for June.

Most of the men above have lost to someone else on this list. They're a couple steps below championship level, but fighting these guys would make Salita better and give him the best win of career to this point. On Wednesday, Salita is scheduled to face Ronnie Warrior Jr. (13-4-1, 4 KOs), who, at least on paper, is considerably below Salita's level.