On Saturday night (December 21) at the famous Fury – Usyk event in Saudi Arabia, Moses Itauma, a 19-year-old boxer from England, stunned the boxing world with a first-round knockout victory over Demsey McKean (Australia). This was the 11th consecutive victory in Itauma’s professional career, cementing his position as a formidable young talent with a talent for knocking out opponents.
The match at the Kingdom Arena saw Itauma knock out the 34-year-old Australian opponent with a powerful left hook. Although McKean, a former candidate to face Anthony Joshua, was expected to challenge Itauma, the “New Knockout King” quickly overwhelmed him. From the opening bell, Itauma (19) deployed a series of lightning punches to the body, before delivering the decisive blow that sent McKean to the floor.
Ben Davison, Joshua’s coach, who has closely followed Itauma’s journey, commented: “Moses possesses incredible speed, power and composure for a 19-year-old.”
Born in Slovakia to a poor family, Itauma moved to England at the age of eight to escape racism. Here, he found his passion for boxing when he joined St Mary’s Club in Chatham. From a boy who once vomited in his first training session, Itauma rose to win many gold medals at European and world youth tournaments.
Turning professional at 18, Itauma aims to break Mike Tyson’s record to become the youngest heavyweight champion in history. He currently has until May 2025 to fulfill his ambition of surpassing “The Iron Fist”.
With an impressive record of 11 wins (9 knockouts), Itauma quickly climbed to No. 10 in the UK and No. 40 in the world. Although the road ahead is full of challenges, the victory over McKean has put Itauma on the radar for big fights in 2025.
Turki Al-Alsheikh, a powerful figure in the Saudi Arabian boxing scene, shared on Twitter: “I believe Itauma has great potential and hope he will become the youngest world champion.”
As Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua gradually step away from the limelight, Itauma has emerged as a bright face of the new generation. With his strength, technique and ambition, he is expected to inherit the throne in the heavyweight boxing worl
