Moses Itauma has already locked in the date and location for his upcoming bout – July 25 at London’s iconic O2 Arena – but the opponent’s name remains to be confirmed. Among the names being floated, Australian heavyweight prospect Justis Huni has stepped forward, signalling his readiness to take on the rising star. Huni, who recently secured a solid 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 we’ll cross paths at some point down the line." Itauma’s most recent performance underscored why he’s considered a future heavyweight contender. He dispatched Jermaine Franklin with ruthless efficiency, showcasing a blend of power and speed that is unusual for a man of his size. In particular, his hand speed has drawn praise from analysts who note that he can fire off combinations faster than many of his peers in the division. Huni, however, hinted that the race for the title of "fastest heavyweight" might still be open.
"Only time will tell," he said, adding, "We’ll meet somewhere down the line." The Australian’s career has been on a rebuilding trajectory after a late‑round stoppage loss to Fabio Wardley. Wardley, who knocked Huni out at Portman Road, has since captured the WBO heavyweight crown, making Huni’s defeat all the more instructive.
Huni reflected on that experience, noting that despite the loss, he gained valuable insight. "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. Even though I got stopped late in the fight, it was still a win‑win for me," Huni explained.
He emphasized that the fight took place without a full training camp, meaning he wasn’t operating at his absolute peak. "That was me not even being at my best, not having a full training camp. The sky’s the limit," he continued.
"I feel like my stock went up. You look at what Fabio’s gone on to do – he’s a world champion. I watched the fight back, worked on the things that I needed to work on." Huni also stressed the razor‑thin margin that separates victory from defeat in heavyweight boxing.
"I didn’t even need to commit to anything that late in the fight. I felt like I was ahead comfortably.
He landed that good shot and that was all it took. You just can’t switch off in heavyweight boxing, or in any division. One punch can change everything." Beyond Huni, other heavyweight names have been mentioned as potential O2 headliners. British contender Richard Riakporhe, known for his power‑punching style, suggested that a domestic title fight could serve as an exciting lead‑in to a future Itauma clash.
When asked about the possibility of facing Itauma, Riakporhe told Sky Sports, "Anything is possible, we just have to wait and see what opportunities become available. Who knows?
Maybe in the future our paths could meet." He added context about Itauma’s current standing in the sport. "Moses Itauma is in a great position right now. He’s ranked very high, so I don’t know if they’re trying to push him for a world‑title shot. I feel like everyone’s on different trajectories.
He’s got a lot of hype behind him, and people have high hopes for him. I think they’re strategically guiding him to the top, and that’s great for him." The heavyweight division is in a state of flux, with several fighters jockeying for position ahead of the next wave of title opportunities. Itauma’s rapid rise, marked by his knockout of Franklin and his high ranking, makes him an attractive opponent for anyone looking to boost their own profile.
Huni’s willingness to step up, combined with his recent learning experience against Wardley, suggests he could be a compelling challenger. If a bout between Huni and Itauma does materialise, it would likely be marketed as a clash of styles: Itauma’s lightning‑quick hands versus Huni’s gritty resilience and improving technical skills. Both fighters have expressed confidence that they can adapt and overcome, which bodes well for a competitive, entertaining fight. In the broader context, the O2 Arena continues to cement its reputation as a premier venue for heavyweight boxing in the UK.
A card featuring a British title fight with Riakporhe, a potential Huni‑Itauma showdown, and perhaps a co‑main event with a European contender would draw significant attention from both domestic and international fans. Meanwhile, promoters are keeping an eye on the evolving rankings.
With Wardley now holding the WBO belt, the mandatory challengers are being lined up, and a victory over a fighter of Huni’s caliber could catapult Itauma into that conversation. Conversely, a win for Huni would re‑establish him as a viable contender for a future world‑title eliminator.
As the July 25 date approaches, the boxing community will be watching closely for any official announcements. Whether it’s Huni, Riakporhe, or another heavyweight stepping into the ring with Itauma, the anticipation is building for what could become a defining moment in the careers of these rising stars. Fans are encouraged to stay tuned to official channels for updates, as the final opponent for Itauma’s O2 bout will likely be confirmed in the coming weeks.
The heavyweight landscape promises excitement, and a potential Huni‑Itauma encounter could be one of the marquee events shaping the next chapter of the sport.