DETROIT – USBA Heavyweight Champion Brandon Moore and Flint’s undefeated knockout artist DeAndre Savage sparked press conference drama ahead of their bout on Sept. 19 at the Fox Theatre.
They were joined by Kronk legend SugarHill Steward, middleweight title contenders Olivia Curry (7-2, 2 KOs) and Australia’s Kaye Scott (4-1), rising super middleweight Da’Velle Smith (13-0, 8 KOs), and promoter Dmitriy Salita.
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SugarHill opened the event by honoring Detroit’s storied boxing tradition, reflecting on his roots in the Kronk Gym and lessons passed down from his uncle, Emanuel Steward.
“When you got in the ring with a Kronk fighter or someone from Detroit, you knew it was going to be a tough fight,” said Steward. “Everyone knew the Detroit name carried weight.” After an injury cut short his own time in the ring, he carried forward his uncle Emanuel Steward’s legacy as a trainer, grounded in one simple lesson: “Teach them the basics. The proper jab, the proper right hand, and most important, balance. I’ve carried that into every fighter I’ve trained since.”
Tying the moment to Detroit’s resurgence, SugarHill pointed to the city’s recent momentum.
“We just had a great show at Little Caesars Arena, and it reminded me of the old days, how excited the city was for boxing. And now here we are at the Fox Theatre, a place that has history of its own. To be back here means everything. We’ve got the heavyweights here — knockout artists. I expect some big knockouts and great fights. Welcome to Detroit. Welcome to big-time boxing. This is where it happens.”
Tensions escalated when Moore (18-1, 10 KOs) and Savage (10-0, 10 KOs) went face-to-face on stage, exchanging verbal jabs vowing to deliver a dominant performance.
“It’s a blessing to be here at the Fox Theatre,” said Moore. “I’m going to bless you guys with a great performance. I’m extremely excited to share the ring with De’Andre Savage. You’re looking at one of the greatest American heavyweights of the sport right now, Brandon Moore! I know you’ve seen my last few fights and what I’ve done to these guys. This is going to be a very easy, tactical fight. Savage says it only takes one punch, but he’s going to have to find it. This will be a classic night of boxing at Fox Theatre. Polk County, Florida in the building. I want to thank Savage for sharing the ring, and hopefully we can be friends afterwards. I’m like Thanos, coming in and collecting these infinity stones. I hope he’s ready for Friday night, he wants my belt, but the only belt he’s going to get is this belt to his a**.”
The undefeated knockout artist, DeAndre Savage countered with fire of his own, promising fireworks.
“God is the greatest, and it’s an honor to be here fighting at the Fox Theatre, ” said Savage. “Coming from Flint, I represent the struggle. On September 19, y’all are about to see fireworks. I’m predicting I will knock Brandon Moore out by the sixth round. This is the biggest fight of my career, and I’m ready to make a statement in the heavyweight division. I want to thank everyone for coming out, this is Flint Town, y’all!”
Promoter Dmitriy Salita underscored the significance of the Fox Theatre event, framing it as part of Detroit’s boxing resurgence.
“Fans here at the Fox Theatre and those watching on DAZN are going to get an incredible, historic experience — not only in the ring, but in the atmosphere of this world-class card,” said Salita. “In the main event, USBA Heavyweight Champion Brandon Moore is putting it all on the line against Flint’s undefeated knockout artist DeAndre Savage, who’s looking to keep his streak alive. The co-main event is a Unified Middleweight World Championship fight that will bring even more prestige to the division, and we have top prospects like Detroit’s own Da’Velle Smith and Sardius Simmons making their mark on the national stage.
“This fight card could easily be in Las Vegas or New York City, but we are committed to rebuilding Detroit’s legacy as one of boxing’s historic hometowns. On September 19th, fans will experience a truly unique event — world-class boxing inside the ring, set in one of the nation’s most historic premier venues. It will be an unforgettable night, both for those in attendance and those watching live on DAZN.”
313 Presents President Howard Handler, who oversees the Fox Theatre, spoke to the venue’s pride in hosting a historic fight card.
“Detroit’s crowned jewel, the Fox Theatre, has long been a stage for unforgettable performances, and it welcomes a new chapter with Big Time Boxing,” said Handler. “We are proud to partner once again with Salita Promotions, whose commitment to restoring Detroit’s boxing legacy has brought us a night of world-class competition. From a sold-out Little Caesars Arena this past July to this Friday’s showcase, our shared vision is helping reignite the passion for boxing across Southeast Michigan. Detroit is a sports city. It’s a fight city, and on Friday, the Fox Theatre becomes the epicenter of that energy.”
Chicago’s Olivia Curry expressed her excitement and determination heading into the Unified WBA/WBC Middleweight World Championship co-feature.
“I’m so excited to be here, and I’m grateful to Salita Promotions for having us on this card, ” said Curry. “I feel like I’m finally getting the shot I’ve been working toward for a long time. As you can tell, my favorite colors are green and gold — and that belt sitting right there feels like it’s meant to be mine. That’s exactly what I’m going to do, take it home. Kaye said we’re going to war, and she’s right. We’re going to war. Don’t miss it.”
Australia’s Kaye Scott, who faces Curry for the Unified Middleweight World Championship, spoke with excitement about fighting on such a historic stage.
“I’m so excited to be here in Detroit,” said Scott. “I’ve been in the city for nearly a week now, and I’m just amazed by this venue. The history and culture inside the Fox Theatre gave me goosebumps the moment I walked in. It’s made me even more pumped for Friday night. I’m prepared, I’m ready to go to war in there, and I know I can match what Olivia brings and more. I’m bringing those belts back home to Australia.”
Detroit’s own super middleweight prospect Da’Velle Smith shared his excitement for the hometown spotlight.
“I’m very excited and honored to be here, fighting in a beautiful venue like this in front of all my friends, family, and the Detroit fight fans,” said Smith. “I’m blessed to have a great promoter and a great team making this all happen. Don’t go to the bathroom, get your popcorn, and be ready when I step in the ring, it’s going to be an electric, beautiful night, and I can’t wait to put on a show for everybody.”
The event is promoted by Salita Promotions with special thanks to sponsors OnlyFans, M Life Luxury Water, Fight For Mental Health, Generations, and Lush Lawn. Comerica Bank is the exclusive presenting partner of the Fox Theatre. Tickets can be purchased online via 313presents and Ticketmaster.