Tyson Fury-Oleksandr Usyk boxing: Aussie Demsey McKean ready to test Moses Itauma

Demsey McKean says he’s undaunted by the task of taking on Britain’s Moses Itauma — a boxer hailed the second coming of Mike Tyson. PETER BADEL has the latest on the historic bout.

He is the Australian heavyweight monster quietly plotting a boilover on the card of the $300 million Tyson Fury-Oleksandr Usyk rematch blockbuster.

Demsey McKean is the ‘Tower of Terror’ from Ipswich and the 198cm southpaw is ready to rumble in one of the most historic fights for an Australian boxer on foreign soil.

While the Fury-Usyk return bout will stop the sporting world, the gargantuan platform gives McKean a glorious chance to showcase his wares against British sensation Moses Itauma at the Kingdom Arena in Saudi Arabia on Sunday morning (AEDT).

Such is the regard for Itauma – touted the most exciting teenage heavyweight since Mike Tyson – McKean is the semi main event to the big show in one of the grandest stages ever for an Australian boxer.

Itauma is unbeaten in 10 fights and the 19-year-old is rated the next big thing in boxing, tipped to become the next heavyweight king when the likes of Usyk, Fury and Daniel Dubois move on.

Moses Itauma and Demsey McKean ahead of their bout.

He is expected to make light work of McKean, but that’s just the type of narrative the unheralded Queenslander wants peddled.

The 34-year-old has lost just once in 23 professional fights and previous sparring sessions with Fury have him primed to hand Itauma the toughest test of his career in a spicy heavyweight preamble to the Usyk-Fury showdown.

“We met in England a few months ago and he saw me close up and said, ‘I have been overlooking you, but you look fit and confident, I need to switch on’,” McKean said.

“That’s where the immaturity comes in.

“He is a good prospect, but think back to when you were 19, you have these huge wraps about yourself, so it works in my favour.

“I’m at the top level and at this level, you can’t overlook anyone.

“He is looking two fights ahead to beat Mike Tyson’s record, but it’s not so easy when you have a big guy like me punching back.”

Demsey McKean says he won’t make it easy for the boxer rated the second coming of Mike Tyson.

Tyson holds the record as the youngest fighter in history to win a heavyweight world title at 20 years and four months and Itauma is on a fast track to dethrone ‘Iron Mike’.

But McKean is easily his toughest opponent yet. While the Aussie suffered his first loss in his most recent fight against Filip Hrgovic last year, he has prepared for this bout with sharp sessions against fellow countryman, cruiserweight world title champion Jai Opetaia.

McKean says ring rust isn’t an issue and is confident of taking Itauma into deep waters.

“I went undefeated for 10 years, so that loss (to Hrgovic) is added drive and motivation,” McKean said.

“Sometimes a loss can be a blessing in disguise. “I’ve copped that kick in the backside and it’s pushed me in the right direction.

“I’ve got a son now that’s three months old, so that’s even added motivation as well.

“I went 12 rounds with Hrgovic, so he (Itauma) won’t have an easy night.

“I am going to test his chin, I believe I can stop him.”

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – DECEMBER 18: Demsey McKean poses for a photo ahead of the Heavyweight fight between Moses Itauma and Demsey McKean during a media workout as part of Oleksandr Usyk v Tyson Fury 2 at BLVD World Egypt on December 18, 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

McKean’s trainer, Burleigh-based Fidel Tukel, who previously worked with Aussie Olympian Paulo Aokuso, says the Tower of Terror is ready to do

Australia proud on the massive fight stage in Saudi Arabia.

Usyk is tipped to pocket $165 million, while Fury will earn around $135m.

“This is the richest fight in boxing history and we have an Aussie who is part of it,” Tukel said.

“For Demsey to be the semi main event for this event is unbelievable.

“They have made out Itauma to be the next Mike Tyson, but for Demsey to be a 10-1 underdog is bordering on insulting.

“They have rushed Itauma and Demsey is ready to capitalise.

“His training has been great, we have had help from Jai Opetaia, so Demsey is ready to reign in Riyadh.”

Originally published as Tyson Fury-Oleksandr Usyk boxing: Aussie Demsey McKean ready to test Moses Itauma