Moses Itauma already knows when and where his next bout will take place – the O2 Arena in London on July 25 – but the opponent’s name remains to be confirmed. Australian heavyweight prospect Justis Huni has stepped forward, signalling his readiness to fill that slot.
Fresh off a convincing points win over Frazer Clarke, Huni is confident that a showdown with Itauma is inevitable. "I’m 100 per cent sure we’ll cross paths at some point," Huni told Sky Sports.
"I feel like it’s only a matter of time before we meet in the ring." Itauma’s most recent performance was a dominant display against Jermaine Franklin, where he showcased a blend of power and surprising hand speed for a heavyweight. Those attributes have drawn attention from fans and fellow fighters alike. Huni, meanwhile, mused about the possibility of matching Itauma’s quickness, noting that only time will reveal who truly holds the title of the division’s fastest puncher. The Australian’s career has been on an upward trajectory following a late‑round stoppage loss to Fabio Wardley, who later claimed the WBO heavyweight crown after dispatching Huni at Portman Road.
Huni reflected on that setback with a measured perspective, emphasizing the lessons learned and the resilience required to bounce back. "It was a solid challenge for me.
I took the fight on short notice and gave it everything I had. Even though I was stopped late in the bout, I consider it a win‑win for my development," Huni explained. He added that the loss came at a time when he hadn’t completed a full training camp, underscoring the importance of preparation in a sport where a single punch can change everything.
"I wasn’t at my best, but the sky’s the limit for me now. My stock has risen since that fight. Watching Fabio’s rise to world champion gave me insight – I reviewed the footage, identified the areas I needed to improve, and worked on them," Huni said.
He stressed that in heavyweight boxing, there is no room for complacency; a single well‑placed shot can end a fight instantly. Beyond Huni, other potential match‑ups are being discussed for the O2 headliner. British contender Richard Riakporhe, known for his hard‑hitting style, could provide an exciting British title fight on the same card.
When asked about the prospect of eventually facing Itauma, Riakporhe replied, "Anything is possible; we just have to wait and see what opportunities arise. Who knows, maybe our paths will cross in the future." Riakporhe also offered insight into Itauma’s current standing in the heavyweight landscape.
"Moses is in a strong position right now. He’s ranked very high, and there’s talk of pushing him toward a world‑title shot.
Everyone’s on different trajectories, but he’s got a lot of hype and strategic guidance behind him," he said. The heavyweight division continues to evolve, with fighters like Itauma, Huni, and Riakporhe each carving out their own narratives. Itauma’s blend of speed and power makes him a compelling figure, while Huni’s resilience after a loss to a future champion demonstrates his determination to climb back into contention.
Riakporhe’s raw punching ability adds another layer of intrigue for British fans. Looking ahead, the July 25 event at the O2 promises to be a pivotal moment for several careers.
If a Huni‑Itauma clash materialises, it would pit two rising talents with contrasting styles against each other – Huni’s aggressive, forward‑pressing approach versus Itauma’s swift, technical execution. Such a bout would not only provide a thrilling spectacle for spectators but also potentially reshape the heavyweight rankings.
In the meantime, both fighters are expected to stay active, fine‑tuning their skills and seeking opportunities that align with their long‑term goals. Huni’s recent statement reflects a mindset focused on growth and adaptation, while Itauma continues to build momentum after his decisive victory over Franklin.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the heavyweight scene unfolds, anticipating match‑ups that could define the next era of the division. Whether it’s Huni finally meeting Itauma, Riakporhe stepping into a British title fight, or another surprise opponent emerging, the upcoming months are set to deliver high‑octane boxing action that will keep the sport’s followers on the edge of their seats.