Moses Itauma already knows when and where his next bout will take place – July 25 at London’s iconic O2 Arena – but the opponent’s name is still pending confirmation. Among the fighters eager to step into the ring with him is Australian heavyweight prospect Justis Hunan.
Fresh off a convincing points win over fellow Brit Frazer Clarke, Hunan has signaled that a showdown with Itauma is inevitable. "One hundred percent," Hunan told Sky Sports. "I have a strong feeling our paths will cross at some point down the line." Itauma’s most recent performance was a dominant display against Jermaine Franklin, where he demonstrated a rare blend of power and speed for a heavyweight. His lightning‑quick hand speed, in particular, has drawn praise from commentators and analysts alike, setting him apart in a division often dominated by raw strength.
Hunan, however, wondered whether he could match Itauma’s velocity. "Only time will tell," he replied when asked about the prospect of being the fastest man in the heavyweight ranks. "We’ll eventually meet, and the fight will answer that question." The Australian’s career has been a story of resilience. After suffering a late‑round stoppage at the hands of Fabio Wardley – a bout that ended at Portman Road and preceded Wardley’s ascent to the WBO heavyweight championship – Hunan has worked tirelessly to rebuild his standing.
He reflected on that loss, noting that it arrived under less‑than‑ideal circumstances. "It was a good challenge for me.
I accepted it on short notice, and all I could do was go out there and give it everything I had. Even though I was stopped late in the fight, I still consider it a win‑win for my development," Hunan explained. "I wasn’t at my peak, I didn’t have a full training camp, but the experience taught me a lot. The sky’s the limit now." He added that the defeat actually raised his profile.
"My stock has risen," he said. "Look at what Fabio achieved – he’s now a world champion.
I watched that fight repeatedly, identified the areas I needed to improve, and have been working on them ever since." When the decisive blow landed, Hunan admitted he was already ahead on the scorecards. "I didn’t need to go for a knockout in the final moments; I was comfortably ahead. But a single clean shot can change everything in heavyweight boxing, or any weight class.
You can never afford to switch off, because one punch can end it all." Beyond Hunan, other contenders have also voiced interest in a potential clash with Itauma. British heavyweight Richard Riakporhe, known for his hard‑hitting style, suggested that a domestic title fight between the two could make a spectacular headliner for the O2 Arena. When Sky Sports asked Riakporhe about the idea of facing Itauma in the future, he responded, "Anything is possible; we just have to wait and see which opportunities arise. Who knows?
Our paths might cross down the road." Riakporhe elaborated on Itauma’s current standing in the division. "Moses is in a great spot right now.
He’s ranked very highly, and there’s talk that promoters are positioning him for a world‑title shot. Everyone seems to be on different trajectories, but Moses has a lot of hype behind him." He continued, "People have high expectations for him, and I think his team is strategically guiding his career toward the top. That’s beneficial for him and the heavyweight landscape as a whole." In summary, while Itauma’s next opponent remains unannounced, the heavyweight scene is buzzing with speculation. Justis Hunan’s confidence, combined with his recent points victory and a desire to test his speed against Itauma’s, makes a future bout an enticing prospect for fans.
Meanwhile, Richard Riakporhe’s comments highlight the depth of talent in the British heavyweight ranks and suggest that a domestic showdown could also be on the horizon. As the July 25 date approaches, the boxing community will be watching closely to see which name ultimately appears opposite Itauma’s on the O2 Arena fight card. Whether it’s Hunan, Riakporhe, or another rising contender, the matchup promises to deliver high‑octane action and could serve as a pivotal moment in the careers of all involved.
The anticipation continues to build, and one thing is clear: the heavyweight division is poised for an exciting chapter, and the eventual meeting between these fighters will be a highlight for the sport.