Salita Promotions dragged big-time boxing back to Detroit’s Fox Theatre on Friday, and Brandon “OJ Bam” Moore made sure his name was the one fans remembered. The Florida heavyweight walked through previously unbeaten DeAndre Savage, dropping him in the fourth and cruising to a unanimous decision that wasn’t close. The cards read 100-89 twice and 99-90. Savage goes home with his first loss, Moore leaves with a 19-1 record and a loud demand for Anthony Joshua.
“I knew he wouldn’t be able to move with me,” Moore said. “It was probably my easiest win. I’m ready for what’s next. I want to fight Anthony Joshua.” That’s not wishful thinking, that’s him flat-out calling for it. Whether anyone takes him seriously is another matter, but he’s planting the flag.
Moore Wants Joshua – But Does Anyone Else Want It?
Let’s be blunt. Moore looked solid, sure. But does a wide points win over a 10-0 puncher put you in AJ’s orbit? Not really. He wants the payday, he wants the name. Fighters always do. The thing is, Joshua’s got his own lane, chasing legacy fights and big Saudi money. Moore might have to keep yelling to get noticed, but fair play for trying.
Women’s World Titles Left Hanging in Detroit
The co-main saw Olivia Curry and Kaye Scott beat the hell out of each other for ten rounds with two belts on the line. Nobody walked out with gold. One judge had it 98-92 Scott, the other two called it even at 95-95. A messy, brutal scrap that screamed rematch. Curry admitted Scott’s volume and amateur style made it rough early, but said she “made an adjustment” to the body and clawed it back. She even needed the last round on two cards just to salvage the draw.
Elsewhere, Da’Velle Smith flattened Janer Gonzalez in two rounds, Sardius Simmons handled Lemire Isom-Riley comfortably to go 4-0, and local amateurs-turned-pros like Jasmine Hampton stole the show with a 30-second debut knockout. Detroit got its boxing fix, no doubt about that.
on-televised undercard results:
Women’s Welterweight – 6 Rounds
- Savannah Tini of Detroit improved to 6-0 (2 KOs), showcasing strength and speed in a unanimous decision win over Michaele Nogue of Atlantic City, N.J.
Featherweight – 8 Rounds
- Edmonton, Canada’s Jelena Mrdjenovic, trained by world-renowned SugarHill Steward, defeated a game Liliana Martinez of the Dominican Republic.
Light Heavyweight – 6 Rounds
- Local favorite Kahmel Makled thrilled his many fans in attendance, outboxing Christian Juresic of Cleveland to improve to 4-0 (3 KOs) via unanimous decision.
Women’s Featherweight – 4 Rounds
- Highly decorated amateur champion Jasmine Hampton of Ann Arbor, Mich., made a statement in her professional debut, stopping Midajah Rogers of Port Huron, Mich., in under 30 seconds.