Heavyweight contender Brandon “OJ Bam” Moore faces unbeaten DeAndre Savage at the Fox Theatre in downtown Detroit on Friday, September 19.
Salita Promotions will stage the show that will also feature Chicago’s 7-2 (2 KOs) Olivia Curry against Australia’s Kaye Scott, who is 4-1, for the unified WBC and WBA middleweight titles.
It is the heavyweights who will attract the attention. Moore is 18-1 (10 KOs), while Savage has stopped every opponent he’s faced on his way to being 10-0 (10 KOs).
Moore, trained by Charles Whittaker, is the 6ft 6ins USBA heavyweight champion, from Lakeland, Florida, outpointed previously-undefeated Stanley Wright earlier this year.
“I want to thank Salita Promotions, DAZN and the team at 313 Presents for giving me the opportunity to showcase my skills again in this region and to the world,” said Moore. “DeAndre Savage really doesn’t have a chance. I’m coming in to show that I’m the better fighter. My jab, my footwork and my power make me the far superior fighter. There’s a high chance I’ll get him out before 10 rounds. You might as well start calling me the ‘Savage Killer.’ I love fighting in this area and I’m hyped to be back, but make no mistake, I’m walking out with my hand raised and an even bigger fanbase than I came in with.”
Savage, from Flint, Michigan, stopped Eduardo Santana in two rounds in January and makes a significant step up against Moore.
“I know Brandon from the Olympic trials, and I respect what he’s done, but I’ve been in camps with top 10 and top 15 heavyweights – Luis Ortiz, Joseph Parker and others – so I know my skills and I’m confident in myself,” said Savage. “I haven’t fought anyone in the pros with his caliber yet, but that changes on September 19. I’m coming in at about 280 pounds — that’s real horsepower — and I plan on using every bit of it to get the job done.”
Meanwhile Curry, who moved up to super middleweight for a 10-rounder against Shadasia Green before returning to 160 pounds, said: “This is an exciting time in women’s boxing right now, and I’m happy I can be part of this chapter fighting on a big stage like this. I plan to showcase my talent and create excitement in the middleweight division starting with this event. I feel much more comfortable at this weight and my power really shines. I plan to take her in deep waters and drown her.”
Scott, conversely, who debuted in 2023, said: “I’m so thankful to be making my US debut next month. “In my town, it was illegal for women to box amateur or as a pro, so I had to go to another town to fight and build up my career, but I’m ready. I’m going to make my country proud and showcase my skills. I have an extensive amateur background and fought with championship level fighters. I’m determined and I’m feeling confident going into this fight.”
Promoter Dmitriy Salita confimed his intent to make Detroit and Southeast Michigan a fighting hub again.
“The Michigan sports fans have spoken and they are hungry for world class boxing,” said Salita. “Our commitment to delivering thrilling events to both the global subscribers on DAZN and to the people of Southeast Michigan has never been stronger. This card will be stacked with regional talent, competitive matchups throughout and headlined by two explosive bouts. The heavyweight division is thriving, and Moore vs. Savage will reshape the future of the division. Brandon Moore enters with back-to-back wins over undefeated opponents, while DeAndre Savage has stopped everyone he’s faced. Add in a world championship fight between Olivia Curry and Kaye Scott, and you have a night of boxing that will deliver on every level. Fight fans are in for something special.”
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