Brandon “OJ Bam” Moore’s shot at Anthony Joshua isn’t just another buzz-worthy prospect – it’s a 19-1 heavyweight statement, and his timing says it all.

Fresh off dismantling previously undefeated DeAndre Savage in Detroit, Moore didn’t hold back. “I want to fight Anthony Joshua,” he told Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein after a one-sided points victory (100-89, 99-90 twice). Moore dominated, scored a knockdown and didn’t let Savage breathe.

This is not a warm-up performance. It’s a declaration.

Why Joshua? The answer is perception

But why Joshua? The answer lies in perception. Joshua, once the division’s golden boy, looked lost after a knockout loss to Daniel Dubois and has since been mentioned by Jake Paul as a future opponent. Suddenly AJ, a two-time unified champion and world draw, is positioned as a gentle touch and “effortless pick” for emerging fighters.

Moore wants to flip this narrative to his advantage. By targeting Joshua, he’s not just chasing a paycheck; he’s chasing the credibility that comes with being the man who will finally close the book on Britain’s greatest heavyweight export of the newfangled era.

“That was probably my easiest win,” Moore said of Savage. “I’ve been boxing really well. I’m ready for what’s next and I want to fight Anthony Joshua. I’m going to speak it into existence.”

Joshua Actions

It’s a bold move. Most players in Moore’s stage build slowly, waiting for their name to come up in an vital conversation. Moore skips the line. He’s betting that Joshua’s stock has dropped enough to make a fight possible.

Politics, as always, will not be effortless. Joshua still manages money, network transactions and power. For Moore to hire him, promoters will need to see market value, not just ambition. But by defeating Savage and then throwing his flag at AJ, Moore at least forced his name into a conversation that no one expected.

For now, Joshua remains Everest. But the mountain looks less threatening now, and Brandon Moore is already climbing.

Detroit Performance Summary

The Fox Theater put on an evening that delivered more than just Moore’s breakthrough moment.

Olivia Curry vs. Kaye Scott | Ten brutal rounds ended in a majority draw, with Scott leading 98-92 on one card and the other two 95-95. Both women want a rematch – and so do the fans.

Da’Velle Smith | The super middleweight from Detroit extended his undefeated streak with a second-round knockout of Janer Gonzalez, showing the strength that makes him one to watch under SugarHill Steward.

Sardius Simmons | Heavyweight prospect Flint improved to 4-0 in his DAZN debut, defeating Lemire Isom-Riley after six controlled rounds.

Savannah Tini | The undefeated welterweight showed off her speed and strength, moving to 6-0 with a decision victory over Michaele Nogue.

Jelena Mrdjenović | The Canadian featherweight veteran got the nod after eight rounds to Liliana Martinez, showing off her experience under Steward’s tutelage.

Kahmel Makleda | The delicate heavyweight fighter from Detroit delighted his fans by improving to 4-0 by defeating Christian Juresic.

Hampton Jasmine | The decorated amateur made a stunning professional debut, defeating Midajah Rogers in 30 seconds.

About the author

Phil Jay is a seasoned boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. How Since 2010, editor-in-chief of World Boxing NewsJay has interviewed dozens of world champions AND reported at ringside during the most vital boxing nights. [View all articles by Phil Jay] and learn more about his work in combat sports journalism.