Moses Itauma already knows when and where his next bout will take place – July 25 at London’s iconic O2 Arena – but the identity of his opponent remains to be confirmed. One name that has surfaced in the conversation is Australian heavyweight prospect Justis Huni, who has openly signaled his willingness to step into the ring with the rising American.
Huni, fresh from a disciplined points‑based win over fellow Briton Frazer Clarke, believes a showdown with Itauma is only a matter of time. "One hundred percent," Huni told Sky Sports. "I’m convinced our paths will cross at some point down the line." Itauma’s most recent performance underscored why he is attracting such attention. In a decisive victory over Jermaine Franklin, the American displayed a blend of power and speed that is rare for a heavyweight, snapping Franklin’s defenses with rapid, crisp punches that left spectators impressed.
His hand speed, in particular, has become a hallmark of his style, allowing him to land combinations before most opponents can react. Huni, however, is not content to simply admire his rival’s attributes.
He hinted that the question of who is the quicker heavyweight in the division remains open. "Time will tell," he remarked, 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 world title – Huni has been rebuilding his reputation.
He reflected on the Wardley fight with a balanced perspective, acknowledging the setback while emphasizing the lessons learned. "It was a good challenge for myself.
I took it on at short notice and all I could do was go out there and give it my best shot," Huni said. "Even though I got stopped late in the fight, it was still a win‑win for me." He continued, "I wasn’t at my absolute best – I didn’t have a full training camp. The sky’s the limit for me now. I feel my stock has risen.
Look at what Fabio has achieved; he’s a world champion. I watched the fight back, identified the areas I need to improve, and have been working on them ever since." Huni also stressed the unforgiving nature of heavyweight boxing, where a single punch can change everything. "You can’t afford to switch off at any moment, in any division. One clean shot can end it," he warned, underscoring the importance of constant focus and preparation.
Across the Atlantic, British contender Richard Riakporhe has also been mentioned as a possible headliner for a future O2 event. Known for his hard‑hitting style, Riakporhe could provide an exciting matchup that would draw a sizable crowd. When asked about the prospect of eventually facing Itauma, Riakporhe responded cautiously optimistic. "Anything is possible; we just have to wait and see what opportunities arise," he told Sky Sports.
"Who knows? Maybe our paths will cross in the future." Riakporhe elaborated on Itauma’s current standing in the heavyweight landscape. "Moses is in a great position right now. He’s ranked very high, and there’s talk of pushing him toward a world‑title shot.
Everyone seems to be on different trajectories, but he’s got a lot of hype behind him. People have high expectations, and it looks like his team is strategically guiding him toward the top. That’s great for him." The potential clash between Huni and Itauma would not only pit two powerful, fast‑handed heavyweights against each other but also serve as a litmus test for their respective progress.
Huni’s recent rebound after the Wardley defeat suggests he has refined his technique and mental approach, while Itauma’s rapid ascent, highlighted by his dominant performance against Franklin, signals that he is ready for higher‑stakes challenges. If the bout materializes, it could be positioned as a marquee event on the O2’s calendar, possibly sharing the card with a British title fight featuring Riakporhe or another local star.
Such a lineup would appeal to both UK and international audiences, offering a blend of home‑grown talent and rising global prospects. In the meantime, both fighters continue to sharpen their skills.
Huni is likely to focus on building a full training camp, addressing any lingering defensive lapses, and enhancing his power output to complement his speed. Itauma, on the other hand, will aim to maintain his explosive hand speed while adding depth to his tactical repertoire, ensuring he can adapt to different styles when the inevitable meeting finally occurs. Fans and analysts alike are watching closely, aware that the heavyweight division is entering a phase where new matchups can quickly reshape the hierarchy. Whether Huni, Riakporhe, or another contender ultimately steps into the ring with Itauma, the anticipation surrounding his next fight remains high, and the promise of an electrifying showdown at the O2 continues to build.