Highlights! 19-year-old phenom Moses Itauma does it again, sparks opponent with wild first-round knockout | Usyk vs. Fury 2

Dan Hiergesell is an expert voice who serves as MMAmania.com's weekend editor, covering mixed martial arts (MMA) for more than 15 years, getting featured on programs such as Countdown to UFC and SiriusXM Fight Club, among others.

Moses Itauma closed out a massive 2024 campaign earlier today (Sat., Dec. 21, 2024) LIVE on DAZN pay-per-view (PPV) from inside Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as the 19-year-old heavyweight phenom stopped veteran Demsey McKean with a first-round knockout. It is the fourth win and finish of the year for the English prospect.

As expected, Itauma came into this co-main event as a huge betting favorite and one of the true bright spots on an undercard designed around Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury 2. The young heavyweight knockout artist was supposed to shine in this high-profile spot and he did just that.

It didn’t take Itauma long at all to start landing as he connected on a few massive shots that shocked the towering McKean. Moments later, Itauma closed the gap again to score a monstrous overhand left that connected clean and sent McKean toppling to the canvas. If this was mixed martial arts (MMA) Itauma would have had the perfect chance to land a Dan Henderson follow-up punch, but luckily for McKean it’s boxing. He wasn’t able to successfully return to his feet and the fight was waved off

Check out the video highlights below:

Itauma, who turns 20 one week from now, is now 11-0 as a professional fighter with nine of those victories coming by way of knockout or TKO. He’s easily one of the best young and promising athletes in boxing today and a name that should become even more familiar in the new year.

For complete Usyk vs. Fury 2 results, coverage, and highlights, click HERE.