'Britain's Mike Tyson' Moses Itauma delivers three-word promise as teenage heavyweight eyes next step
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Moses Itauma has told boxing fans to 'expect something big' on December 21 when he faces off against fellow British heavyweight Dempsey McKean in the biggest fight of his career to date.
Itauma, 19, has received huge praise since making his professional debut at Wembley Arena in January 2023.
He's been compared to Mike Tyson and is strongly being tipped as the future of the heavyweight division.
Itauma has stopped his opponent before the third round in each of his last six fights and currently holds the WBO inter-continental heavyweight title.
But the fight against Australia's McKean, who's only defeat from professional 23 fights came against Filip Hrgovic earlier this year, is seen as a huge step up for the teenage heavyweight sensation.
Moses Itauma will fight Dempsey McKean on December 21
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McKean feels confident about his chances of ending Itauma's unbeaten run but the English boxer insists he's ready for the challenge.
"This is the step up I wanted, this is the step up I need and I feel a KO win over Dempsey McKean could defintely put me up there," Itauma said in the press conference on Wednesday.
"His only loss was to Filip Hrgovic, which was in the last round so I believe this is a good fight for me.
"I'm just happy to get back in there. I haven't boxed for what seems like forever and I jsut want to get back in the ring and against Dempsey McKean I can really test myself and see how far I go."
McKean feels Itauma's 'inexperience' will work against him in the fight on December 21, but the 19-year-old bit back at his upcoming opponent.
He said: "A lot of people do think that and that's probably why people take the fight against me, they're like 'he's inexperienced, he ain't done this, he ain't done that'.
"I've been boxing more than half my life. Expect something big."
Both fighters were otherwise respectful to one another with McKean paying credit to his opponent.
However, the 34-year-old insists the big fight is his own chance to get back on track for a title fight.
"You've got to give your hat off to him," he said.
"But it's probably too soon for him. I'm feeling confident coming in. Too big, too strong, too much experience.
Dempsey McKean called Moses Itauma inexperienced
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"It's going to be a good fight regardless. He's a crafty southpaw and I think it's going to be a great fight."
Itauma replied: "I just wanted to say Dempsey, you're meant to feel like that.
"I don't want to fight you if you think that you're going to get in there and you're going to lose.
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Moses Itauma has been likened to Mike Tyson
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"I want you to have that attitude of 'I'm going to go in there and win'."
Dempsey replied confidently: "I'm not here like the majority of the other opponents who are just happy to come in and collect a paycheck.
"I'm coming in with a full camp under my belt, good condition and training specifically for you as well."
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