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 is still pending. Australian heavyweight prospect Justis Huni has stepped forward, signalling his willingness to fill that slot.
Fresh off a convincing points win over Frazer Clarke, Huni is confident that 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 down the line." Itauma’s most recent performance showcased the attributes that have made him a rising star in the division. In a dominant display against Jermaine Franklin, the British fighter combined power with surprisingly rapid hand speed for a heavyweight, dispatching his opponent with ruthless efficiency.
Huni, however, hinted that the race for the fastest hands in the heavyweight ranks might still be open. "Only time will tell," he remarked, adding, "We’ll meet somewhere down the line." The Australian’s career has been on an upward trajectory since his late‑round stoppage loss to Fabio Wardley, the boxer who later captured the WBO heavyweight world title after knocking Huni out at Portman Road. Huni reflected on that defeat with a pragmatic outlook: "It was a good challenge for me. I took it on at short notice and gave it everything I had.
Even though I was stopped late, I still consider it a win‑win for my development." He went on to explain the circumstances surrounding that loss. "I wasn’t at my 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 needed to improve, and worked on them." Huni emphasized that he never felt he was in danger of being out‑classed during the Wardley fight. "I didn’t have to commit to anything late in the bout.
I thought I was comfortably ahead until he landed a clean shot, and that was all it took. In heavyweight boxing – or any weight class – you can’t afford to switch off. One punch can change everything." Across the Atlantic, British contender Richard Riakporhe has also been linked to a potential O2 headline.
Known for his hard‑hitting style, Riakporhe could provide an exciting alternative if the Itauma‑Huni matchup does not materialise in the near term. When asked about the prospect of eventually facing Itauma, Riakporhe told Sky Sports, "Anything is possible; we just have to wait and see what opportunities arise.
Who knows? Maybe our paths will cross in the future." Riakporhe added perspective on Itauma’s current standing in the heavyweight hierarchy. "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 has a lot of hype behind him. People have high expectations, and it looks like his team is strategically guiding him toward the top, which is great for his career." Both Huni and Riakporhe recognize that the heavyweight division is in a state of flux, with several fighters jockeying for position ahead of the next wave of title opportunities. Huni’s recent victory over Clarke, a solid technical boxer, has reinforced his reputation as a durable, adaptable fighter capable of handling a variety of styles.
Meanwhile, Itauma’s blend of speed and power continues to attract attention from promoters looking to craft marquee events. The O2 Arena, a venue synonymous with high‑profile boxing nights, could serve as the perfect stage for a showdown between any of these contenders. A fight between Huni and Itauma would pit a seasoned Australian with a recent loss but a clear hunger for redemption against a British up‑and‑comer riding a wave of momentum. Conversely, a Riakporhe‑Itauma clash would offer a classic British heavyweight encounter, pitting two hard‑punching, crowd‑pleasing athletes against each other.
From a broader perspective, the heavyweight landscape is being shaped by the recent ascendancy of Fabio Wardley, whose rise to world champion status has opened doors for other fighters to step into the spotlight. Huni’s comments about learning from Wardley’s performance illustrate how the loss has become a catalyst for growth rather than a setback.
By analyzing the fight footage, identifying weaknesses, and dedicating himself to improvement, Huni demonstrates the professional mindset required to compete at the elite level. Looking ahead, the July 25 date at the O2 remains a fixed point on the calendar, but the opponent will likely be decided based on negotiations, rankings, and the strategic interests of promoters and broadcasters. Whether it ends up being Huni, Riakporhe, or another heavyweight hopeful, the bout promises to be a significant step in the careers of all involved. In summary, Justis Huni has publicly expressed his confidence that he will eventually face Moses Itauma, citing a 100 percent certainty that their paths will intersect.
Both fighters bring distinct skill sets – Huni’s resilience and willingness to learn from past defeats, and Itauma’s explosive speed and power – making any potential matchup compelling. Meanwhile, Richard Riakporhe remains in the mix as a possible O2 headliner, acknowledging the fluid nature of the heavyweight division and the myriad possibilities that lie ahead for all three athletes.
The heavyweight scene continues to evolve, and fans can expect an exciting series of developments as these contenders prepare for their next challenges.