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. Among the names being floated, Australian heavyweight prospect Justis Huni has stepped forward, eager to stake his claim. Huni, who recently secured a convincing points win over fellow Brit Frazer Clarke, is confident that a showdown with Itauma is inevitable. "One hundred percent," Huni told Sky Sports.
"I have a strong feeling we’ll cross paths at some point down the line." Itauma’s latest performance underscored why he is rapidly climbing the heavyweight rankings. In a dominant display, he dismantled Jermaine Franklin with a combination of relentless pressure and astonishing hand speed—attributes rarely seen in the heavyweight division.
Those attributes have not only earned him praise but have also placed him on the radar of other top contenders. Huni, while acknowledging Itauma’s speed, wondered whether he could match or even surpass the Nigerian‑born boxer in that department. "Only time will tell," he mused, adding, "We’ll meet somewhere down the line." The Australian’s career has been a story of resilience.
After a late‑round stoppage loss to Fabio Wardley—who later captured the WBO heavyweight title—Huni has been rebuilding his confidence and skill set. He reflected on that setback with a measured perspective, noting that the experience, though painful, offered valuable lessons. "It was a solid challenge for me. I took the fight on short notice, gave everything I had, and even though I was stopped late, it was a win‑win situation," Huni explained.
"I wasn’t at my peak, I didn’t have a full training camp, but the sky’s the limit for me now." He continued, emphasizing the positive impact the fight had on his marketability. "My stock has risen. Look at what Fabio has achieved—he’s now a world champion. I watched the footage, identified the areas I needed to improve, and have been working on them ever since." Huni also highlighted the razor‑thin margin that separates victory from defeat in heavyweight boxing.
"I didn’t need to commit to a full‑on assault late in the fight; I felt comfortable. Then he landed a clean shot, and that was all it took. In heavyweight—or any division—you can’t afford to switch off.
One punch can end it all." Beyond Huni, other heavyweight names have entered the conversation about a potential Itauma clash. British contender Richard Riakporhe, known for his power and recent British title win over the hard‑hitting fighter, suggested that a bout between him and Itauma could headline a spectacular O2 event. When asked about the possibility, Riakporhe told Sky Sports, "Anything is possible; we just have to wait and see what opportunities arise.
Who knows? Our paths might cross in the future." He added insight into Itauma’s current standing: "Moses is in an excellent position right now.
He’s ranked very high, and there’s speculation that promoters are steering him toward a world‑title shot. Everyone’s on different trajectories, but Moses has a lot of hype behind him.
People have high expectations, and the strategic planning around his career seems aimed at getting him to the top, which is great for him." The heavyweight landscape is shaping up to be dynamic. With Itauma’s scheduled London appearance, Huni’s hunger for a showdown, and Riakporhe’s openness to a future encounter, fans can anticipate several compelling match‑ups in the coming months. Whether it’s a direct clash with Huni, a headline bout against Riakporhe, or another opponent entirely, Itauma’s path is clearly lined with high‑stakes opportunities. As the July 25 date approaches, the boxing world will be watching closely for official announcements.
The O2 Arena, renowned for hosting marquee events, provides a fitting stage for a potential heavyweight showdown that could redefine rankings and set the tone for the next phase of each fighter’s career. Until then, the speculation continues, and the anticipation builds, promising an exciting summer for heavyweight enthusiasts.