Moses Itauma has already locked in the date and location for his upcoming bout – July 25 at London’s iconic O2 Arena – but the identity of his opponent remains to be confirmed. Australian heavyweight prospect Justis Huni has stepped forward, signalling his readiness to take on the British challenger. Fresh from a disciplined points‑win over fellow Brit Frazer Clarke, Huni is confident that a showdown with Itauma will happen sooner rather than later.
"One hundred percent," Huni told Sky Sports. "I have a feeling our paths will cross at some point down the line." Itauma’s most recent performance was a dominant display against Jermaine Franklin, where he showcased a blend of power and unusually rapid hand speed for a heavyweight. Those attributes have put him on the radar of many in the division, including Huni, who mused whether he could match Itauma’s quickness.
"Only time will tell," Huni replied when asked about the speed factor, adding, "We’ll meet somewhere down the line." The Australian fighter has been on a rebuilding journey after a late‑round stoppage loss to Fabio Wardley – the bout in which Wardley knocked Huni out at Portman Road before eventually claiming the WBO heavyweight crown. Huni reflected on that setback, noting that despite the late stoppage he still felt he had taken a valuable lesson from the experience.
"It was a good challenge for me. I accepted it on short notice and gave it everything I had. Even though I was stopped late in the fight, it was still a win‑win for me," Huni said. He explained that the loss came at a time when he had not completed a full training camp, which limited his preparation.
"I wasn’t at my best, I didn’t have a full camp. The sky’s the limit for what I can achieve," he added. Huni believes his marketability has risen despite the defeat. "My stock has gone up.
Look at what Fabio has done – he’s a world champion now. I watched the fight back, identified the areas I need to improve and worked on them." He emphasized the razor‑thin margin for error in heavyweight boxing: "I didn’t need to commit to anything late in the fight; I felt comfortable until he landed that perfect shot.
In heavyweight, you can never switch off – one punch can end it all, no matter the division." Beyond Huni, other names have surfaced as potential O2 headliners. British contender Richard Riakporhe, known for his power, could also provide a compelling matchup against Itauma. When asked about a possible future bout with the Nigerian‑born heavyweight, Riakporhe responded cautiously optimistic. "Anything is possible; we just have to wait and see what opportunities arise," he told Sky Sports.
"Who knows? Maybe our paths will cross in the future." Riakporhe elaborated on Itauma’s current standing in the sport.
"Moses is in a strong position right now. He’s ranked very high, and there’s talk about pushing him toward a world‑title shot. Everyone seems to be on different trajectories, but he’s got a lot of hype behind him.
People have high hopes, and the promoters are strategically guiding him toward the top. That’s great for his career." The potential clash between Huni and Itauma would not only pit two rising heavyweights against each other but also serve as a showcase for the depth of talent in the division.
Huni, who has been rebuilding his confidence after the Wardley loss, is eager to prove he can compete with the next generation of heavyweights. Itauma, on the other hand, is looking to cement his status as a serious contender after his impressive knockout of Franklin. Both fighters bring contrasting styles to the ring.
Huni relies on a solid jab, disciplined footwork, and a measured approach that allows him to dictate the pace of a fight. His recent victory over Clarke demonstrated his ability to outbox opponents while staying defensively sound. Itauma, meanwhile, combines raw power with surprising speed, often overwhelming opponents with a flurry of punches that leave little time to react. If the bout materializes, the O2 Arena would provide a massive platform, drawing a global audience eager to see which heavyweight will emerge as the next big name.
The venue has a rich history of hosting marquee boxing events, and a Huni‑Itauma showdown would add another memorable chapter. In addition to the main event, promoters could line up a stacked undercard featuring other British talents such as Riakporhe, further boosting the night’s appeal. This would create a festival of heavyweight boxing, offering fans a full evening of high‑octane action.
Looking ahead, both fighters have expressed a clear vision for their careers. Huni is focused on refining his technique, building a stronger conditioning base, and avoiding the pitfalls that led to his previous stoppage. He plans to work with his team on defensive drills and power‑punch timing to ensure he can compete at the highest level. Itauma, meanwhile, is capitalizing on his recent momentum.
After the Franklin victory, his camp has been busy analyzing footage, enhancing his defensive maneuvers, and preparing for the possibility of facing a technically proficient opponent like Huni. The Nigerian‑born boxer understands that to ascend to world‑title contention, he must adapt his natural aggression with strategic patience. The heavyweight division continues to evolve, with established stars like Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk maintaining the spotlight while a new wave of contenders, including Huni, Itauma, and Riakporhe, vie for their own moments of glory.
A future clash between Huni and Itauma could serve as a pivotal stepping stone for both, potentially catapulting the winner into the conversation for bigger fights and even world‑title opportunities. In summary, while the exact opponent for Moses Itauma at the O2 remains undecided, Justis Huni has publicly declared his intent to meet the British heavyweight, emphasizing a 100 percent certainty that their paths will cross.
Meanwhile, Richard Riakporhe acknowledges the fluid nature of matchmaking but remains open to a possible encounter. As the summer approaches, fans can anticipate a series of negotiations and training camps that will shape the heavyweight landscape, with the O2 Arena poised to host one of the most exciting matchups in recent British boxing history.