Aussie boxer Demsey McKean brutally knocked out in first round by 19-year-old phenom

Australian heavyweight Demsey McKean was brutally beaten on Sunday morning by exciting teenage prospect Moses Itauma.

The scheduled 10-round clash on the Usyk-Fury undercard didn’t go the distance, with Itauma making it look easy against the Queenslander.

Itauma’s speed and power were evident from the start, with the Slovakian-born southpaw hitting big shots.

His left hand found a home again and again, and a shot sent McKean to the canvas.

The Australian recovered, but moments later he was sent back to the ground by another powerful shot and finished off.

Commentator Adam Smith described Itauma’s ability as “simply ridiculous”.

McKean, who only had one defeat on his record and was once considered a Joshua opponent, was certainly a step up in class for Itauma, but it would have been difficult to recognize him watching the fight in Riyadh.

The 19-year-old displayed power, precision and rhythm inside the ring to secure victory and, in turn, continue with his aspirations of becoming world champion.

The teenager was born in Slovakia and had to deal with racism in his early years before moving to the UK to live in Kent.

He grew up in poverty, but found his home in the boxing gym. It quickly became apparent that he had plenty of talent, despite vomiting in his first few workouts.

Itauma, who turned professional just a month after turning 18, has already amassed 10 victories, eight of them within the distance.

His last outing was the most impressive of all, as he knocked down former world title challenger Mariusz Wach in just two rounds.

Itauma has previously spoken about breaking Mike Tyson’s record of being the youngest heavyweight champion in history.

That ambitious goal seems out of reach unless he can land a belt in the next four months, but a win over McKean put him in contention for some big fights in 2025.