Moses Itauma produced a short but devastating display to beat Demsey McKean on Saturday night.
Itauma, 19, lived up to the ever-growing hype – fighting on the undercard of the Usyk vs Fury rematch – with a first-round stoppage victory against a more experienced Australian opponent who had only ever been beaten once before.
On a night which saw Oleksandr Usyk beat Tyson Fury for a second time on points, Chatham teenager Itauma warmed up the star-studded crowd to cement his reputation as the future of the heavyweight division.
Hollywood actor Jason Statham was among those on their feet ringside to applaud.
Fighting to defend his WBO intercontinental belt, along with the vacant WBA international and commonwealth silver heavyweight titles at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Itauma powered past an opponent who was expected to be providing him with toughest test yet.
McKean was knocked down following a left hander over the top into the side of the head and it wasn’t long before Itauma finished him off.
Sensing another quick finish, Itauma saw off the Australian with another left handed punch, this time making full contact to the side of the face after McKean had expected a body shot. McKean just about got back to his feet but referee Bob Williams rightly waved it off as the towel was being thrown in.
TNT Sports commentator Darren Fetcher raved about the big moment, saying: “He’s just blown away an experienced heavyweight in ridiculous style! This kid’s for real.”
“That punch was absolutely perfect!” declared fellow commentator Richie Woodhall
“Bang on the button. It was tremendous – unbelievable.”
It was a ninth KO win from his 11 pro fights – with seven of them now coming inside the opening round.
