Moses Itauma is set to step onto the global boxing stage once again as he faces Demsey McKean on December 21, 2023, at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh. This highly anticipated clash will be part of the undercard for the momentous Tyson Fury versus Oleksandr Usyk rematch. Broadcast live by DAZN, Sky Sports Box Office, and TNT Sports Box Office, the fight marks another pivotal moment for the promising heavyweight prospect.
At just 19 years old, Itauma has quickly established himself as one of the brightest stars in boxing, boasting an impressive record of ten wins, eight of them by knockout. The Slovakia-born, Kent-raised fighter is not just winning—he's demolishing his opponents. His rapid rise has made him world-ranked by the WBO, IBF, and WBA, and he’s aiming to break the record held by Mike Tyson for the youngest heavyweight champion. Tyson was just 20 years and four months old when he claimed the title back in 1986, and Itauma is only months away from potentially surpassing this historic milestone.
"When I land cleanly, I can put almost any heavyweight in trouble," Itauma declared, reflecting his confidence and power inside the ring. He hasn't just been coasting through his matches; Itauma has been sharpening his skills by sparring with legends like Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury, and Daniel Dubois at the tender age of 16. This experience, coupled with his formidable talent, positions him as the heavy favorite, with betting odds placing him comfortably at 1/16 against McKean’s 8/1.
On the other side of the ring stands 34-year-old Demsey McKean, who enters the fight with a professional record of 22 victories and only one loss. That defeat came at the hands of Filip Hrgovic, who knocked McKean out in the 12th round during their bout last August. McKean remains determined to redeem himself after nearly 18 months of inactivity since his last fight. He recognizes the stiff challenge posed by Itauma and the potential pivotal moment this fight offers. "It’ll be easier said than done for 'The Machine', as Itauma is a sizeable betting favorite after three consecutive knockout wins this year," reported Sportskeeda.
McKean, known for his resilience and toughness, has the capabilities to make this more than just a showcase for Itauma. While he may lack significant wins against top-tier opponents, his experience should not be underestimated. The Australian heavyweight aims to turn this bout – which many see as another stepping stone for the burgeoning British star – to his advantage. The bout might not just be about vindication for McKean but could also serve as the launching pad for Itauma’s ambition to claim the heavyweight throne.
Itauma and his camp have acknowledged the high-pressure stakes of this match, especially considering his track record and expectations. Fans and analysts are buzzing with speculation about how he will fare against McKean’s tested approach. Itauma’s coach will likely have him focusing on maintaining his speed and managing the physicality of McKean, who is well-known for being resourceful and capable of making any fight dirty.
Despite the high stakes, Itauma appears unfazed and is focused on the task at hand. He expressed, “If I was to box [Anthony] Joshua, [Tyson] Fury, or [Oleksandr] Usyk, then I probably would feel fear or nerves, but for Demsey, I don’t think I need those feelings.” It seems Itauma's climbing fame and burgeoning confidence are fueling his readiness for this fight.
The excitement surrounding this heavyweight bout is palpable. With the backdrop of one of boxing’s most high-profile rematches set to take place, the spotlight is distinctly on these rising and proven talents. Victory for Itauma could pave his way for more significant challenges and establish him as the future of the heavyweight division. For McKean, it's not just the fight of his career; it could be his last chance to prove he's still relevant among the elite. The boxing community eagerly anticipates how this matchup will play out, imagining the possible outcomes and futures for both fighters.
So, as fight night approaches, the questions remain: Will Moses Itauma impress the world with another highlight-reel knockout, or will Demsey McKean pull off the upset of the year? Fans can expect fireworks from this heavyweight showdown set against the backdrop of great expectations and ambitions.
