‘I haven’t proved nothing yet’: Moses Itauma on comparisons to Anthony Joshua

Moses Itauma isn’t getting ahead of himself, even if he says it’s nice to be compared to Anthony Joshua.

Rising heavyweight prospect Moses Itauma will return to action this Saturday in a step-up fight against once-beaten Demsey McKean, and the 19-year-old British southpaw is making clear that he doesn’t want to get ahead of himself.

As will likely be the case with many serious UK heavyweight prospects in the coming years, Itauma (10-0, 8 KO) has heard comparisons to Anthony Joshua, and he says that while it’s nice to hear, he doesn’t believe he’s proven anything serious yet in the boxing world.

“I mean, it is nice to compare yourself against a two-time heavyweight champion. Obviously I haven’t proved nothing yet,” he said. “It’s nice to hear these things, but everybody’s on their own path and I’m here to set my own path also.”

McKean (22-1, 14 KO) is a fellow southpaw, which can sometimes trip up young lefties, and the 6’6” Aussie is no pushover. He was stopped in his last fight by Filip Hrgovic in Aug. 2023, but he’ll be the best opponent the teenager has faced as a pro thus far.

And McKean, 34, isn’t set yet to give up on his own big dreams.

“Obviously, I want to contend for a world title myself, so coming away with a big win here against Moses is going to propel me into a world title fight,” McKean said. “All eyes on Moses first come Saturday night. I need to come away with a good performance, look good doing so, and make sure I get another return invite here.”