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, signalling his readiness to take on the American fighter.
Huni, who recently secured a convincing points win over fellow Brit Frazer Clarke, believes a showdown with Itauma is inevitable. "One hundred percent," Huni told Sky Sports. "I have a strong feeling that our paths will cross at some point in the near future." Itauma’s most recent performance was a dominant display against Jermaine Franklin, where he showcased a rare combination of power and speed for a heavyweight. His rapid hand speed, in particular, has drawn praise and set him apart from many of his peers in the division.
Huni, while respectful of Itauma’s skill set, hinted that the race for the title of "fastest heavyweight" could become a point of contention between them. "Only time will tell," he added, before reaffirming his belief that a meeting between the two is simply a matter of when, not if.
The Australian’s career has been on an upward trajectory after a setback earlier this year. He suffered a late‑round stoppage at the hands of Fabio Wardley, the fighter who would later capture the WBO heavyweight crown. Despite that loss, Huni has used the experience as a learning curve, rebuilding his confidence and sharpening his technique.
He reflected on the Wardley fight, saying, "It was a solid challenge for me. I accepted it on short notice, gave it everything I had, and even though I was stopped late, it was a win‑win situation for my development." Huni also noted that the bout against Wardley came without a full training camp, which meant he wasn’t operating at his absolute best. "The sky’s the limit," he said, emphasizing that his recent performances have already boosted his marketability.
"Seeing what Fabio achieved after that fight – becoming a world champion – motivated me to review the footage, identify my weaknesses, and work on them." He further explained the dynamics of heavyweight boxing, where a single punch can change the entire outcome. "You can’t afford to switch off at any moment, regardless of the weight class.
One clean shot can end it all," Huni warned, underscoring the unforgiving nature of the sport. Beyond Huni, another potential contender for an O2 headline is British heavyweight Richard Riakporhe, known for his heavy‑handed style. A clash between Riakporhe and Itauma would make for an electrifying main event, given both fighters’ fan appeal and knockout power.
When asked about a possible future bout with Itauma, Riakporhe told Sky Sports, "Anything is possible; we just have to wait and see which opportunities arise." He elaborated on Itauma’s current standing, noting the American’s high ranking and the buzz surrounding his career. "Moses is in a great position right now, with a lot of hype and a clear path toward a world‑title shot. Everyone seems to be guiding him strategically toward the top," Riakporhe said.
"We’re all on different trajectories, but I wouldn’t be surprised if our paths cross down the line." The heavyweight division continues to evolve, with a mix of seasoned veterans and hungry newcomers jockeying for position. For Huni, the prospect of a fight against Itauma represents more than just another match; it’s an opportunity to test himself against a rising star whose speed and power have already made waves. For Itauma, securing a high‑profile opponent like Huni—or even Riakporhe—could accelerate his ascent toward a world‑title contention.
Fans can stay updated on these developments through various platforms, including streaming services that offer contract‑free boxing content, as well as podcasts such as Toe2Toe, which provide weekly insights into the sport’s latest narratives. As the July 25 date approaches, the boxing community will be watching closely to see which opponent the O2 Arena will ultimately host for Moses Itauma, and whether Huni’s confidence will translate into a confirmed matchup. Regardless of the final opponent, the upcoming O2 event promises to be a significant milestone in the careers of all involved, potentially shaping the heavyweight landscape for the remainder of the year and beyond.