Moses Itauma already knows when and where his next bout will take place – the O2 Arena in London on July 25 – but the opponent’s name remains to be confirmed. Among the fighters eyeing the spot is Australian heavyweight prospect Justis Huni, who has publicly signaled his willingness to step into the ring with Itauma. After a convincing points win over fellow Brit Frazer Clarke, Huni has expressed confidence that a showdown with Itauma is inevitable. "I’m 100 per cent sure we’ll meet at some point," Huni told Sky Sports.
"I feel like our paths are bound to cross in the near future." Itauma’s most recent performance underscores why he is such an attractive opponent. He dispatched Jermaine Franklin with ruthless efficiency, showcasing a blend of power and speed that is rare in the heavyweight division. One of his standout attributes is his blistering hand speed, which allows him to land combinations that many larger opponents struggle to counter. Huni, however, has hinted that he might be able to match or even surpass Itauma’s speed.
"Only time will tell," he remarked when asked about the potential rivalry. "We’ll meet somewhere down the line, and I’m ready for it." The Australian’s career has been on an upward trajectory despite a late‑round stoppage loss to former WBO champion Fabio Wardley.
Wardley, who knocked Huni out at Portman Road before capturing the world title, served as a learning experience for the young contender. Huni reflected on that fight with a mixture of humility and optimism.
"It was a good challenge for me. I took the fight on short notice, and all I could do was go out there and give it my best shot," Huni said. "Even though I was stopped late in the fight, it was still a win‑win for me because I learned a lot." He went on to explain that the loss came at a time when he was not at his peak physical condition, lacking a full training camp. "I wasn’t at my best, but the sky’s the limit for me now," Huni added.
"I feel like my stock has gone up. Look at what Fabio has achieved – he’s a world champion. I watched the fight back, identified the areas I needed to improve, and worked on them." Huni emphasized that he never felt he was in danger of being knocked out until Wardley landed a decisive blow. "I was comfortably ahead for most of the fight.
He landed that one good shot, and that was all it took. In heavyweight boxing, you can never switch off – one punch can change everything, no matter the division." Beyond Huni, another British heavyweight, Richard Riakporhe, has been mentioned as a possible O2 headliner in a future title bout. Riakporhe, known for his hard‑hitting style, said to Sky Sports that anything is possible in the sport and that opportunities will dictate future match‑ups. "Who knows?
Maybe our paths will cross in the future," Riakporhe said. "Moses Itauma is in a great position right now – he’s ranked very highly and there’s a lot of hype around him.
It looks like the promoters are steering him toward a world‑title shot. Everyone is on a different trajectory, and he’s got a lot of momentum behind him." The conversation around a potential Huni‑Itauma clash reflects a broader narrative in the heavyweight division: a new generation of fighters eager to test themselves against each other while the established stars, like Wardley, continue to shape the landscape. Huni’s recent victory over Clarke demonstrated his technical growth and ability to control the pace of a fight, while Itauma’s rapid rise, fueled by his speed and power, has made him a fan favourite.
If a Huni‑Itauma fight does materialise, it would likely be a high‑octane encounter at the O2, a venue that has hosted some of the sport’s most memorable moments. The arena’s capacity for large crowds and its state‑of‑the‑art facilities make it an ideal setting for a heavyweight showdown that could attract international attention. Both fighters have expressed a willingness to travel for the right bout, and the global nature of modern boxing means that a match could be broadcast worldwide, further elevating their profiles.
In addition, the rise of streaming platforms has made it easier for fans to watch live events without traditional pay‑per‑view constraints, potentially increasing viewership for a Huni‑Itauma contest. From a tactical standpoint, the fight would present an intriguing clash of styles.
Huni, with his solid jab and disciplined footwork, would likely look to impose his rhythm and wear down his opponent over the middle rounds. Itauma, on the other hand, would aim to exploit his speed, looking to land quick, sharp combinations that could catch Huni off‑guard. The outcome could hinge on who can better impose their game plan and adapt to the opponent’s adjustments. Training camps for both athletes are expected to be intense, with a focus on conditioning, defensive drills, and sparring against opponents who mimic each other’s strengths.
Huni’s team may emphasize improving his defensive awareness to avoid the kind of surprise punch that ended his fight with Wardley, while Itauma’s camp could work on sharpening his power punching to ensure his speed translates into decisive knock‑outs. In the broader context of the heavyweight division, a Huni‑Itauma bout could serve as a stepping stone toward a world‑title opportunity for either fighter.
With the current champion’s schedule looking uncertain, promoters are keen to line up compelling match‑ups that can capture audience interest and generate revenue. Regardless of when the fight finally happens, both Huni and Itauma have indicated that they are ready and eager. Their mutual respect for each other's abilities is evident, and fans can look forward to a potential clash that promises excitement, skill, and the kind of drama that makes heavyweight boxing a perennial draw. In summary, Justis Huni has made it clear that a future encounter with Moses Itauma is not just a possibility but an expectation.
While the exact date and opponent for Itauma’s July 25 bout remain undecided, the heavyweight landscape is buzzing with speculation. Whether the two meet at the O2 Arena or elsewhere, the fight would undoubtedly be a marquee event that could shape the next chapter of both fighters’ careers.