Moses Itauma took the latest step on the road to likely heavyweight boxing greatness with another incredible performance in Riyadh on Saturday night.
The 19-year-old from Kent, already tabbed by his promoter Frank Warren as the ‘next big thing’ in the sport’s marquee division, improved to 11-0 with 9 wins inside distance by blasting out Aussie Demsey McKean on the Usyk vs Fury 2 undercard.
There were many who felt this would be the biggest test so far for the man known as ‘Enriko’, but not a bit of it. He took less than a round to utterly destroy the durable McKean with a devastating display of speed and punching power.
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Now we wait to see what comes next for the man who has already stated his aim to become the sport’s youngest ever world heavyweight champion, beating the long-held record of one Mike Tyson. He is a man in a hurry, and it might be a while before he finds anybody to give him a hard night’s work.
Itauma vs McKean round-by-round
It lasted just 117 seconds, with TNT Sports ringside analyst Richie Woodhall describing it as ‘an incredible performance’. A thing of devastating beauty for all watching fight purists.
Itauma, who had come in heavier than ever before at 249lbs (17st 11lbs) did not lose any of his vaunted with that extra bulk, and it certainly appeared to add even more devastating power.
Moses was on the front foot early, whipping in jabs and body shots with that lead right hand, and following up with that blistering left. Within a minute the warning signs were there for McKean as he was forced to ship some thudding shots.
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Itauma really burst into life just over a minute in with a jab followed up quickly by a huge left hand which deposited McKean on his back, looking hurt and bewildered.
The Aussie did beat the count but his reprieve was short-lived as Itauma produced the same plan again within seconds, following up a jab with an incredible overhand left which blasted McKean to the floor again. No way the Aussie was beating the count this time. It had even Hollywood star Jason Statham open-mouthed and applauding ringside.
Now Itauma surely is set for bigger tests to come, and quite frankly who would be against him any time soon?
Scorecards and results
Itauma wins by KO after 1:57 of Round 1
