Moses Itauma has already secured 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 willingness to take on the British fighter. Fresh from a convincing points win over Frazer Clarke, Huni is confident that a showdown with Itauma is inevitable. "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 underscored why he is considered a rising star in the division. He dispatched Jermaine Franklin in dominant fashion, showcasing a blend of power and speed that is rare among heavyweights.
In particular, his hand speed – often described as blistering – sets him apart and makes him a difficult opponent for anyone in the weight class. Huni, however, hinted that the debate over who is the quickest heavyweight could become a talking point if the two ever meet.
"Only time will tell," he said, adding, "We’ll meet somewhere down the line." The Australian’s career has been a story of resilience. After suffering a late‑round stoppage at the hands of Fabio Wardley – the fighter who later captured the WBO heavyweight title – Huni has worked tirelessly to rebuild his reputation.
He reflected on the Wardley fight, noting that he accepted the challenge on short notice and gave it his all despite not being at peak condition. "Even though I was stopped late, it was a win‑win for me," Huni explained. "I didn’t have a full training camp, but I still felt I was ahead for most of the fight." He continued, "The sky’s the limit.
My stock has definitely risen after that experience. Watching Fabio become a world champion gave me a clear benchmark.
I reviewed the fight, identified the areas I needed to improve, and have been sharpening those aspects ever since." When asked about the moment the fight turned against him, Huni recalled, "He landed a clean, powerful shot and that changed everything. In heavyweight boxing – or any division – you can’t afford to switch off.
One punch can end it all." Beyond Huni, other names have entered the conversation surrounding a potential O2 headline. British contender Richard Riakporhe, known for his heavy‑handed style, suggested that a domestic title clash with Itauma could be a spectacular main event for the venue. When questioned about the possibility of facing Itauma in the future, Riakporhe responded, "Anything is possible; we just have to wait and see what opportunities arise." He elaborated on Itauma’s current standing, saying, "Moses is in a great position right now. He’s ranked very high and there’s talk that he might be being steered toward a world‑title shot.
Everyone’s on different trajectories, but his hype is massive. People have high expectations for him, and it seems the promoters are guiding him strategically toward the top. That’s excellent for his career." The broader heavyweight landscape adds further intrigue. With the division’s elite – such as Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk, and the newly crowned WBO champion Fabio Wardley – constantly shifting, a clash between Huni and Itauma could serve as a stepping stone for either fighter to break into world‑title contention.
Both boxers possess distinct attributes: Itauma’s speed and technical precision versus Huni’s power and relentless work ethic. If the bout materialises, it would not only provide a compelling narrative for British fans but also attract international attention, given Huni’s growing profile in Australia and his recent victories over notable UK opponents. Moreover, the O2 Arena, with its capacity to host large crowds and its history of memorable boxing events, would be an ideal backdrop for such a high‑stakes encounter. In the meantime, both fighters are likely to continue sharpening their skills.
Huni has hinted at taking more fights to fine‑tune his game, while Itauma may seek another high‑profile opponent to maintain his momentum before a possible world‑title push. The boxing world will be watching closely as the negotiations unfold, hoping that the much‑talked‑about meeting between these two heavyweights will soon become a reality.
For fans eager to stay updated, streaming platforms such as NOW offer contract‑free access to boxing events, and podcasts like Toe2Toe provide weekly analysis and insider perspectives on the sport’s evolving storylines. As the calendar edges closer to July 25, anticipation builds, and the question remains: will Huni finally step into the ring with Itauma, or will another contender rise to challenge the British prospect? Only time will reveal the answer, but the excitement surrounding the potential showdown is already palpable among boxing enthusiasts worldwide.