Rod Salka


Rod Salka is an American professional boxer and politician.

Background

Born and raised in Bunola, Pennsylvania, Salka served ten years as part of the United States National Guard, joining in 2001. In 2016, he ran as a Republican in the 38th House District of Pennsylvania.

Professional career

Salka vs. García

Salka is most notable for facing light welterweight world champion Danny García on August 9, 2014, a fight in which Salka was brutally knocked out in two rounds. Before and after the event, the fight was heavily criticized by boxing observers as a mismatch.

Salka vs. Vargas

On April 12, 2018, Salka faced former super featherweight world champion Francisco Vargas. During the fight, Salka created controversy by wearing trunks featuring a red, white and blue brick wall pattern and the phrase "America 1st", a reference to Donald Trump's proposed border wall and slogan and policy. Salka would go on to retire on his stool at the end of round six, after being knockdown down by a Vargas combination which left him cut over his left eye.

Professional boxing record

No.ResultRecordOpponentTypeRound, timeDateLocationNotes
29Loss24–5Francisco VargasRTD6, 3:00Apr 12, 2018Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, Indio, California, U.S.
28Win24–4Jayro DuranUD8Sep 23, 2017Convention Center, Monroeville, Pennsylvania, U.S.
27Win23–4Justin SaviUD8Aug 27, 2016The Meadows Racetrack and Casino, North Strabane, Pennsylvania, U.S.
26Win22–4Michal DufekUD8May 13, 2016The Fight Company, Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
25Win21–4Noel EchevarriaKO6, 2:57May 16, 2015The Meadows Racetrack and Casino, North Strabane, Pennsylvania, U.S.Won vacant WBA–NABA USA super featherweight title
24Win20–4Monty Meza-ClayUD10Nov 14, 2014Consol Energy Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.Won vacant WBC FECARBOX lightweight title
23Loss19–4Danny GarcíaKO2, 2:31Aug 9, 2014Barclays Center, New York City, New York, U.S.
22Win19–3Alexei ColladoUD10Apr 18, 2014Convention Center, Monroeville, Pennsylvania, U.S.Won vacant WBC FECARBOX lightweight title
21Loss18–3Ricardo ÁlvarezMD10Dec 14, 2013Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas, U.S.For WBC Continental Americas super lightweight title
20Win18–2Ryan BelascoUD10Oct 12, 2013Green Tree, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.Retained WBA–NABA USA lightweight title;
Won vacant IBO International lightweight title
19Win17–2Osnel CharlesUD8May 3, 2013Cal U Convocation Center, California, Pennsylvania, U.S.
18Win16–2Emmanuel LuceroTKO5, 0:55Feb 2, 2013Court Time Sports Center, Elizabeth, Pennsylvania, U.S.Won vacant WBA–NABA USA lightweight title
17Loss15–2Dorin SpiveyMD10Oct 12, 2012Tropicana Casino & Resort, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.For WBA–NABA lightweight title
16Win15–1Joseph Laryea8Jun 23, 2012Green Tree, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
15Win14–1Angel RiosUD8Apr 7, 2012Court Time Sports Center, Elizabeth, Pennsylvania, U.S.
14Win13–1Fernando RodriguezUD6Nov 17, 2011Club South, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
13Win12–1Gabriel MorrisUD6Aug 26, 2011Court Time Sports Center, Elizabeth, Pennsylvania, U.S.
12Loss11–1Guillermo SanchezUD8Nov 24, 2010Avalon Hotel, Erie, Pennsylvania, U.S.
11Win11–0Ikem OrjiUD8Jun 30, 2010Heinz Field VIP Tent, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
10Win10–0Mario HayesUD6Jan 22, 2010Hilton, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
9Win9–0Devarise CraytonUD6Sep 30, 2009Heinz Field VIP Tent, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
8Win8–0James VentryUD6Jun 24, 2009I.C. Light Amphitheater, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
7Win7–0Victor VasquezUD6Mar 6, 2009The Blue Horizon, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
6Win6–0Jose CaraballoUD4May 30, 2008ExpoMart, Monroeville, Pennsylvania, U.S.
5Win5–0Ryan MaraldoUD4Apr 5, 2008Wheeling Island Casino Racetrack, Wheeling, West Virginia, U.S.
4Win4–0Eric Burke4Feb 29, 2008Days Inn, Butler, Pennsylvania, U.S.
3Win3–0Shane Gierke4, 1:06Oct 30, 2007Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
2Win2–0Ahmed Poskovic3, 3:00Sep 22, 2007IceoPlex at Southpointe, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
1Win1–0Federico Flores Jr.4Jul 21, 2007Heinz Field South Plaza, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.