Moses Itauma already has a date and a location set for his upcoming bout – July 25 at London’s iconic O2 Arena – but the opponent’s name is still pending confirmation. Among the contenders eager to step into the ring with him is Australian heavyweight prospect Justis Hunan. Fresh off a convincing points win over Frazer Clarke, Hunan has signaled that a showdown with Itauma is inevitable. "One hundred percent," Hunan told Sky Sports.
"I have a strong feeling that our paths will cross at some point down the line." Itauma’s most recent performance underscored his credentials. He dispatched Jermaine Franklin in dominant fashion, showcasing a blend of power and speed that is rare for a heavyweight. In particular, his hand speed has drawn attention, as it rivals that of lighter‑weight fighters while still delivering knockout potential. Hunan, however, wondered whether he could match or even surpass Itauma’s speed in the division.
"Only time will tell," he remarked, adding, "We’ll meet somewhere down the line." The Australian’s career has been on a rebound after a late‑round stoppage loss to Fabio Wardley, the fighter who knocked Hunan out at Portman Road before capturing the WBO heavyweight world title. Hunan reflected on that setback, emphasizing the lessons learned and his renewed confidence. "It was a valuable challenge for me.
I took the fight on short notice, gave it everything I had, and even though I was stopped late, it turned out to be a win‑win situation," Hunan explained. "I wasn’t at my peak – I didn’t have a full training camp – but the experience showed me how much room there is for growth.
The sky’s the limit." He continued, "My stock has definitely risen. Look at what Fabio has achieved; he’s now a world champion. I watched the fight replay, identified the areas I need to improve, and have been working on them ever since." When asked about the moment the fight was stopped, Hunan said, "I didn’t even need to commit to anything in the later rounds. I felt comfortable and ahead.
Then he landed a clean shot, and that was all it took. In heavyweight boxing – or any weight class – you can never afford to switch off. One punch can change everything." Beyond Hunan, other British heavyweights are also being linked to potential match‑ups with Itauma.
Richard Riakporhe, known for his hard‑hitting style, could provide a compelling headline for an O2 event. When Sky Sports queried Riakporhe about the prospect of facing Itauma, he responded with cautious optimism.
"Anything is possible; we just have to wait and see what opportunities arise," Riakporhe said. "Who knows?
Maybe our paths will cross in the future." He added insight into Itauma’s current standing: "Moses is in a strong position right now. He’s ranked very high, and there’s talk about steering him toward a world‑title shot.
Everyone seems to be on different trajectories, but Moses has a lot of hype behind him. People have high expectations, and it looks like his team is strategically guiding him toward the top, which is great for his career." The heavyweight division continues to evolve, with several fighters positioning themselves for marquee fights in the UK and beyond. Itauma’s upcoming London appearance will be a key indicator of where he stands among his peers, while Hunan’s determination to secure a bout reflects his ambition to re‑establish himself after the Wardley loss.
Should a clash between Hunan and Itauma materialize, it would likely draw significant attention, pitting Hunan’s resilience and rebuilding momentum against Itauma’s speed and rising profile. Meanwhile, the broader conversation about heavyweight matchmaking in Britain suggests that promoters are keen to craft compelling narratives that blend domestic talent with international intrigue. A potential Hunan‑Itauma showdown could serve as a stepping stone toward larger title opportunities for both fighters, especially as the division looks for fresh contenders to challenge the current world champions. In summary, while the exact opponent for Moses Itauma at the O2 remains unannounced, the interest from Justis Hunan and the speculation surrounding Richard Riakporhe illustrate the vibrant and competitive nature of the heavyweight scene.
Fans can anticipate that, as the July 25 date approaches, further details will emerge, setting the stage for what could become one of the most talked‑about fights of the year.