British heavyweight prospect Moses Itauma, 19, continued his meteoric rise by stopping Demsey McKean in the first round this past Saturday in Saudi Arabia. In a scene reminiscent of the suddenness that once defined “Iron” Mike Tyson, Itauma’s victory featured two overhand lefts that floored McKean and ended the bout almost as soon as it began.
Moments later, the rising star found himself face-to-face with the former “Baddest Man on the Planet” ringside. Tyson, who became heavyweight champion at the age of 20, was curious about Itauma’s ambitious schedule. “How many fights (will) you get a year?” Tyson asked. Itauma replied that he’s aiming for eight in 2025 and another eight in 2026, determined to fast-track his path through the heavyweight division.
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Promoter Frank Warren and trainer Ben Davison appear on board with that plan, but Tyson urged caution when referring to potential opponents. “Any fight you fight is quality, because anything can happen in there,” Tyson said. “There’s no such thing as a bum.” Itauma, who had just declared his intention to avoid “eight bums,” nodded and acknowledged the wisdom. Tyson cited his own experiences, explaining that he learned the most from his losses, adding perspective for the young contender.
While Oleksandr Usyk pursues further unification in 2025 and Tyson Fury circles a potential clash with Anthony Joshua, Itauma’s next steps are wide open. He hopes to stay busy under Warren’s guidance, collecting “quality” bouts and honing his craft with each outing.
Image Credit: Sky Sports