Brandon “OJ Bam” Moore Sets Sights on Anthony Joshua
After a decisive victory against DeAndre Savage in Detroit, Brandon “OJ Bam” Moore has set his sights on a high-profile bout with Anthony Joshua. Following his one-sided performance that saw him win by scores of 100-89 (twice) and 99-90, Moore wasted no time in declaring his ambition to fight the former two-time heavyweight champion.
“I want to fight Anthony Joshua,”
he proclaimed to Hall of Fame commentator Al Bernstein, illustrating his intentions to challenge the heavyweight hierarchy.
Shifting Dynamics in Heavyweight Boxing
Moore’s ambitions coincide with a shift in Joshua’s reputation. Once hailed as the crown jewel of heavyweight boxing, Joshua has faced criticism after a knockout loss to Daniel Dubois and is now being mentioned by names like Jake Paul as a possible future opponent. This shift has left Joshua appearing more vulnerable, leading up-and-coming fighters like Moore to view him as a potentially accessible target.
The young contender’s strategy of calling out Joshua is not merely about securing a lucrative matchup but also about gaining recognition in the sport. Through this challenge, Moore aims to redefine his standing in boxing by being the fighter who puts an end to the era of Joshua as one of the sport’s premier figures.
“This was probably my easiest win,”
Moore reflected after his bout, emphasizing his readiness for the next step as he confidently declared,
“I am going to speak it into existence.”
The Gamble of Ambition
Taking such a decisive step is a notable gamble for Moore, who, unlike many peers at his level, is not interested in a gradual buildup to significance. Instead, he believes the timing is ripe to aim for Joshua, banking that the former champion’s declining status might work in his favor.
However, challenges lie ahead. Joshua still holds significant leverage in the boxing landscape, commanding attention and financial backing from major promoters. For Moore to realize his dream of facing Joshua, he will need to prove that a fight is viable and marketable, beyond just his own aspirations. By defeating Savage and expressing his predilections towards AJ, Moore has stirred discussions among boxing officials, pushing his name into conversations where it was previously absent.
Event Highlights
The Fox Theatre event where Moore showcased his skills also featured other notable bouts:
- In an intense ten-round contest, Olivia Curry and Kaye Scott ended in a majority draw, with one judge scoring it 98-92 in favor of Scott and the other two at 95-95. Both fighters expressed a desire for a rematch.
- Da’Velle Smith continued his unbeaten streak with a second-round knockout of Janer Gonzalez, displaying the knockout power that has garnered attention.
- Heavyweight prospect Sardius Simmons improved to 4-0 after a six-round decision victory against Lemire Isom-Riley in his DAZN debut.
- Savannah Tini showcased impressive skills by moving to an undefeated 6-0 with a decision win over Michaele Nogue.
- Veteran Canadian featherweight Jelena Mrdjenovic claimed an eight-round victory against Liliana Martinez, utilizing her experience trained by SugarHill Steward.
- Light heavyweight Kahmel Makled delighted local fans by overpowering Christian Juresic and enhancing his record to 4-0.
- In a remarkable professional debut, Jasmine Hampton made a stunning impact by knocking out Midajah Rogers in just 30 seconds.
About the Author
Phil Jay has been a prominent voice in boxing journalism for over 15 years, currently serving as Editor-in-Chief at World Boxing News. He has covered numerous high-profile fights and interviewed a variety of world champions, bringing extensive expertise to his reporting on the sport.
