Maliek Montgomery’s trek up to 135 pounds could represent more than just a fresh start.

Montgomery will square off against Joshua James “JJ” Pagan for the vacant WBO NABO lightweight title on Oct. 23 in the main event of a Salita Promotions card at the Coliseíto Pedrín Zorrilla in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on DAZN. Getting the opportunity after a loss, Montgomery is hoping to remind fans of what he’s capable of inside the squared circle against Pagan.

“It's an opportunity for me to get back in the ring and show what I'm made of,” Montgomery told The Ring. “To really remind my fans and for the people who don't know me, what I'm all about inside the ring, and what type of performances that I put on on a regular basis and that I'm on my way to being world champion.”

Montgomery (20-1, 18 KOs) is coming off the lone defeat of his career, a unanimous decision defeat to Jeremy Hill on March 22. The bout was set to be at 130 pounds, but Montgomery missed weight by nearly five pounds and was put on a rehydration clause as a result.

Montgomery, 30, had won eight of his last nine fights by stoppage or knockout before the loss to Hill (22-4-1, 13 KOs). Given how everything unfolded in the build-up to the fight and inside the ring, ensuring everything is aligned ahead of his clash with Pagan has been of the utmost importance for Montgomery.

“Focusing on maintaining control of everything,” Montgomery said on what he learned from his last fight. “All aspects outside of the ring prior to me getting in the ring, because a lot of things beforehand contributed to my lack of performance in my last match.”

Montgomery of Macon, Georgia, is one of three boxer brothers. Before turning pro, he won two National Golden Gloves titles, earned victories over Edgar Berlanga and Bruce Carrington and was an alternate on the 2016 U.S. Olympic team.

Montgomery has also sparred with some of boxing’s top names, including Devin Haney, Gervonta “Tank” Davis and Ryan Garcia.

“Being able to compete against these guys and spar with these guys, I've seen all heights, age ranges, bangers, southpaws, orthodox, every style you could think of," he says. "I've been able to utilize my style versus these other styles, and it's helped me come to the conclusion that how I fight, it’s good. It allows me to be able to take care of business when it's time for me to get in the ring.”

Pagan (13-0, 4 KOs), 25, represents the most significant test of Montgomery’s career. Pagan, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, was a three-time Michigan Golden Gloves Champion and 2021 USA Boxing National Champion at 147 pounds. The 5-foot-10 lightweight is coming off a unanimous decision victory over James Bernadin on June 6.

“He's a good fighter,” Montgomery said of Pagan. “He's a good boxer. He's very intelligent, and he knows how to work his pace. He's able to read fighters and break a fight down to stretch it out for those 10 rounds. I think he's going to be good competition. It’s going to be a good fight.”

For Montgomery, facing Puerto Rican Pagan also represents a road game of sorts. Montgomery is relishing the challenge, though, and believes it’s nothing different from what he’s faced to reach this point.

“I feel like we're the underdog going in,” Montgomery said. “I feel like I've been the underdog my whole career, even back in the amateurs. For me, I feel even more comfortable going into this match.”