Moses Itauma, at just 19 years old, solidified his reputation as one of the most promising prospects in British boxing with a stunning first-round knockout of Australia's Demsey McKean on Saturday night. Fighting at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Itauma showcased his remarkable talent and power, marking another impressive step in his career.
The fight, part of the undercard for the highly anticipated Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury rematch, quickly turned dramatic. With the bout scheduled for ten rounds, it barely made it past the first lap. Itauma, who now boasts a flawless professional record of 11-0, relied on his signature overwhelming power by dropping McKean twice with powerful left-hand punches.
The first knockdown caught McKean off-guard, sending him crashing to the canvas. Although the Australian managed to get back to his feet, he appeared disoriented and unsteady. Itauma wasted no time, landing another huge left hand, prompting referee Bob Williams to call the fight at just 1 minute and 57 seconds after the bell rang.
“Just ridiculous,” said DAZN commentator Adam Smith, highlighting Itauma’s knack for stopping seasoned opponents. The victory not only extended Itauma's knockout streak but also reinforced his position as one of boxing's most exciting talents.
Promoter Frank Warren has been instrumental in shaping Itauma's path, leading him through challenging matchups without rushing his development. After this bout, Itauma is on track to secure his position as one of the fighters to watch leading up to potential title shots. McKean, who entered the ring with one loss on his record, now faces his second consecutive defeat, falling to 22-2.
Post-fight, Itauma had the opportunity to speak with boxing legend Mike Tyson, who was ringside to witness the action. “How many fights (will) you get a year?” Tyson asked. Itauma responded confidently, stating, “A lot. I’m thinking eight fights this year, eight fights next year.” Tyson, who famously became heavyweight champion at 20 years old, imparted wisdom to Itauma, reminding him, “Any fight you fight is quality, because anything can happen.”
Reflecting on the bout, Itauma appeared unfazed, having effectively handled the step-up against the more experienced McKean. Despite their age difference—15 years—he exhibited composure and maturity typically seen in seasoned fighters. Itauma consistently jabs to the body early on, strategically maneuvering to set up the big lefts, which proved to be the demise of McKean.
Behind the scenes, Itauma has made quite the impression, simultaneously attracting attention not only for his boxing prowess but also for his ambitious dreams. He has openly expressed his desire to become the youngest heavyweight champion of all time, eyeing the record currently held by Mike Tyson.
This victory places Itauma firmly within conversations about future championship bouts as he aims to break the record Tyson set nearly 40 years ago. While heavyweight champions like Usyk and Fury are preoccupied with their bouts and titles, Itauma's rapid ascent along with his promises to engage more actively in the ring could align him with significant fights on the horizon.
Promoters and fans alike are eager to see how he develops, with anticipations high for his next booking. Itauma’s success speaks not only to his potential but also to the legacy he hopes to forge as he progresses through the ranks.
With his skills honed and his ambition unwavering, Moses Itauma seems set to leave his mark on the heavyweight division. The daring statements and remarkable knockouts are just the beginning for this young boxing sensation who continues to rise to the occasion when it matters most.
