Press Release
A U.S. heavyweight showdown is brewing for Friday, Sept. 19 as Salita Promotions returns to Detroit with an exciting doubleheader headlined by USBA Heavyweight Champion Brandon “OJ Bam” Moore (18-1, 10 KOs) taking on his toughest test to date in undefeated knockout artist DeAndre Savage (10-0, 10 KOs) of nearby Flint, Mich. Adding to the action, Chicago’s Olivia Curry (7-2, 2 KOs) will collide with Australia’s Kaye Scott (4-1) for the Unified WBA/WBC Middleweight World Championship in the co-feature of a BIG TIME BOXING USA event at the historic Fox Theatre in downtown Detroit. The event, sponsored by M Select Luxury Water will stream live on the global leader of boxing, DAZN. Comerica Bank is the exclusive presenting partner of the Fox Theatre.
Salita Promotions has committed to restoring Detroit’s–and Southeast Michigan’s–big time boxing legacy and has built significant momentum in 2025. Following July’s sold-out event at Little Caesars Arena, featuring The G.W.O.A.T. Claressa Shields, and February’s sold-out event at the Dort Financial Center in nearby Flint, the burgeoning promotional company now brings a world-class boxing event to the legendary Detroit theatre for the first time in 25 years*.
Dmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions, sees the event as another mark for the company and a defining night for both divisions, “The Michigan sports fans have spoken and they are hungry for world class boxing. 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.”
“We’re proud to partner with Salita Promotions and bring big-time boxing to the iconic Fox Theatre,” said Howard Handler, President of 313 Presents. “This legendary venue has been home to some of Detroit’s most unforgettable performances, and now it will showcase the grit, drama, and excitement of championship boxing. The atmosphere of Shields vs. Daniels at a sold-out Little Caesars Arena was electric and we’re building on that momentum to spotlight the resurgence of boxing in Detroit at another of our world-class venues.”
Moore, the 6’6” champion from Lakeland, Fla., is coming off a decisive unanimous decision victory over previously unbeaten Stanley Wright, a bout that featured a third-round knockdown and showcased his ability to control range, dictate pace, and deliver fight-altering power shots. Moore, alongside trainer Charles Whittaker, looks to extend his streak with a third consecutive win against his most dangerous challenge to date.
“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, Flint’s heavy-hitting prospect, is known for his relentless pressure and concussive power. He steps into his first professional title fight with a perfect record and a 100 percent knockout ratio. The 280-pound powerhouse is coming off a dominant second-round TKO over Eduardo Santana in January, an emphatic victory that further cemented his reputation as one of the division’s most dangerous punchers. Now, he steps into his most significant test to date 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.”
Curry, a proven contender known for her high-volume pressure will look to capture her first unified crown when she faces Australia’s Kaye Scott for the vacant titles. Curry, known for her relentless pace and durability, moved up to super middleweight for a competitive 10-round bout against top contender Shadasia Green before returning to her natural weight at 160 pounds. Now, with her aggressive style and guidance from longtime trainer Trinidad Garcia, she looks to make a statement on fight night and cement her place among the elite.
“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,” said Curry. “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 made her professional debut in 2023 with a victory over Connie Chan to win the vacant Australasian female middleweight title. She has progressed quickly through the professional ranks in just five fights. She followed up with a majority decision over Desley Robinson for the Australian middleweight title, before facing Robinson again in December 2024 for the vacant IBF middleweight title. While she came up short, the bout set the stage for her second world title opportunity on September 19.
“I’m so thankful to be making my U.S. 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!” said Scott. “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.”
An exciting undercard featuring a mix of rising prospects, local favorites, and action-packed matchups will be announced in the coming weeks.
*The only professional boxing event on record at Fox Theatre was on June 10, 2000–HBO Boxing: Acelino Freitas vs. Lemuel Nelson
