Moses Itauma has already secured a date and location for his upcoming bout—July 25 at London’s iconic O2 Arena—but the identity of his opponent remains to be finalized. Among the names being floated, Australian heavyweight prospect Justis Hunan has stepped forward, signalling his readiness to take on the rising star. Huni, fresh from a disciplined points‑decision win over fellow Brit Frazer Clarke, has made it clear that a showdown with Itauma is inevitable, if not imminent.
"I’m 100 per cent sure we’ll cross paths at some point," Huni told Sky Sports in a candid interview. "It feels like destiny; somewhere down the line we’ll meet in the ring." Itauma’s recent performance has only heightened the intrigue.
In his latest victory, he dismantled Jermaine Franklin with ruthless efficiency, showcasing a blend of power and precision that is rare for a heavyweight. One of the most striking attributes on display was his blistering hand speed, a quality that often gives him an edge against larger, slower opponents. While Huni praised Itauma’s skill set, he also teased a friendly rivalry regarding speed.
"We’ll see who’s the fastest in the division," he remarked with a grin. "Time will tell, but I’m confident I can match his tempo." The Australian’s own journey has been a tale of resilience.
After a late‑round stoppage loss to Fabio Wardley—who later captured the WBO heavyweight title—Huni has worked tirelessly to rebuild his standing. He reflected on that defeat, noting that it came after a short‑notice fight where he could not fully prepare. "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 learned a lot and it was a win‑win for my development," Huni explained. He continued, "I wasn’t at my best; I didn’t have a full training camp.
The sky’s the limit for me now. My stock has risen because I watched Fabio’s rise, studied the fight, and addressed my weaknesses. I didn’t need to commit to anything deep into the fight; I felt comfortable until that one clean shot changed everything.
In heavyweight boxing you can never switch off—one punch can end it all." Beyond the personal reflections, the broader heavyweight landscape is buzzing with possibilities. A British‑title clash between Huni and the hard‑hitting Richard Riakporhe could serve as an electrifying headliner for the O2, drawing fans eager to see two of the UK’s top heavyweights square off. Riakporhe, when asked about a potential future bout with Itauma, was pragmatic yet optimistic. "Anything is possible; we just have to wait and see what opportunities arise.
Maybe our paths will cross down the line," he told Sky Sports. Riakporhe also weighed in on Itauma’s current trajectory. "Moses is in a great position right now—he’s ranked high and there’s a lot of hype around him. It looks like the promoters are steering him toward a world‑title shot.
Everyone’s on different paths, but his momentum is undeniable. The strategic guidance he’s receiving is setting him up for the top, and that’s fantastic for his career." If a fight between Huni and Itauma does materialise, it would pit two contrasting styles against each other: Huni’s methodical, technically sound approach versus Itauma’s explosive speed and power. Both fighters have expressed a clear desire to test themselves against the best, and both have the backing of promoters eager to craft a marquee event. The O2 Arena, with its capacity and history of hosting high‑profile boxing nights, would be an ideal stage for such a showdown.
In the meantime, both athletes continue to sharpen their tools. Huni is reportedly back in the gym focusing on conditioning and refining his jab, while also studying footage of Itauma’s recent fights to develop a game plan that could neutralise the Nigerian’s quick hands. Itauma, on the other hand, is likely reviewing his own performance against Franklin, looking to add more variety to his attack and perhaps improve his defensive footwork to handle a technically proficient opponent like Huni.
The heavyweight division as a whole remains in a state of flux, with several contenders jockeying for position. The emergence of fighters like Itauma and the resurgence of veterans like Huni add depth and intrigue, promising fans a series of compelling narratives in the months ahead.
Whether they meet at the O2 in July or later in the year, the prospect of a clash between these two rising stars continues to generate excitement across the boxing community. For now, the boxing world watches, waiting for official confirmation of the opponent list for Itauma’s July 25 bout. Until then, the dialogue between Huni, Riakporhe, and other potential challengers underscores a shared belief: the path to the heavyweight throne is paved with tough match‑ups, and every fight is a stepping stone toward that ultimate prize.