Fight results

A tactical clash with elements of a brawl—that’s what we can expect in the ring. Neither Moses nor Demsey are known for starting strong in the early rounds. Instead, they prefer to methodically deliver heavy shots to their opponents.

McKean leverages his size to press his adversaries, applying steady pressure. However, this gradual approach shouldn’t pose a significant problem for Itauma. The Briton counters effectively, intercepting attacks, and has prior experience dealing with opponents of similar height.

The 19-year-old Itauma will face the 34-year-old McKean. While 34 isn’t considered a veteran age for heavyweights—in fact, it’s often their prime—Moses is driven by a different motivation: the desire to break Mike Tyson’s record and become the youngest heavyweight champion in history. Time is still on the Briton’s side.

Despite McKean’s greater number of fights, he doesn’t hold a significant experience advantage. His resume includes just one notable opponent, Filip Hrgović. The rest have been solid but not exceptional. Itauma, on the other hand, stepped up in his last fight, defeating Mariusz Wach. Now he faces an opponent of similar size but younger and highly motivated.

Itauma throws more punches. He’s a lighter fighter with a combination-heavy offensive style. Meanwhile, McKean is a traditional 21st-century heavyweight: big, strong, and deliberate. His punches are delivered in short, economical combinations, conserving energy for sustained power.

This will be Itauma’s fourth fight of the year, compared to McKean’s first. McKean is coming off his first career loss to Hrgović, while Itauma has been steadily climbing the ranks. Over the past year, he’s gone from defeating the relatively unknown Dan Garber to dismantling Mariusz Wach in the second round. Now he’s taking on Demsey McKean—a promising pace.

Both fighters pack a punch, and taking a clean hit from either isn’t advisable. Itauma surprised many in his last fight by demolishing the much larger and more experienced Wach, showcasing power that demands respect from any opponent.

McKean, a massive man with solid punching power, is dangerous during his bursts of activity. While his power isn’t as explosive as a young Deontay Wilder’s, a well-placed shot could still end the fight.

McKean’s sole loss came via TKO in the 12th round, though some questioned the referee’s decision to stop the fight. He didn’t appear helpless in that bout. Both fighters have shown resilience—McKean held his own against Hrgović, and Itauma was unfazed by Wach. However, in the heavyweight division, a single punch can change everything.

This will be Itauma’s third fight in Saudi Arabia, but McKean’s first. However, this isn’t likely to give Moses a significant advantage. McKean is experienced, having fought outside Australia, including a trip to Britain to face Hrgović. With both fighters on neutral ground, the focus will be solely on their in-ring actions.

Coming back from a loss is always challenging, especially when it’s against a highly touted prospect. McKean will undoubtedly face mental hurdles.

For Itauma, the question is whether he can handle the step up in competition. He’s still somewhat of an unknown quantity but has already shown himself to be highly skilled, technical, fast on his feet and hands, and tough. Backed by promoters, he’s been active and has even called out Joseph Parker. The Briton is riding high.

McKean, on the other hand, has to prove he’s ready for Itauma’s speed and pace, particularly if the fight goes past the sixth round. The same question applies to Itauma, who has yet to fight beyond six rounds, while McKean has looked fatigued in later rounds.