Moses Itauma already has a date and a location locked in for his upcoming bout – July 25 at London’s iconic O2 Arena – but the opponent’s identity remains to be confirmed. Among the names being floated, Australian heavyweight prospect Justis Huni has stepped forward, expressing a clear desire to line up against the rising star. Huni, who recently secured a convincing points win over fellow Brit Frazer Clarke, believes a showdown with Itauma is inevitable. "One hundred percent," Huni told Sky Sports.
"I have a feeling we’ll cross paths at some point down the line." Itauma’s most recent performance highlighted why he is quickly becoming a buzz‑worthy name in the division. He dispatched Jermaine Franklin with ruthless efficiency, showcasing a blend of power and surprisingly rapid hand speed for a heavyweight.
Those attributes have not gone unnoticed by commentators and fellow fighters alike. Huni, ever the competitor, mused about whether he could match or even surpass Itauma’s speed. "Only time will tell," he said, adding, "We’ll meet somewhere down the road." The Australian’s journey back to relevance has been a compelling narrative.
After suffering a late‑round stoppage at the hands of Fabio Wardley – a loss that came at Portman Road and preceded Wardley’s ascension to the WBO heavyweight throne – Huni has been rebuilding his confidence and skill set. He described his recent fight against Clarke as a “good challenge” taken on at short notice.
Despite the eventual stoppage, Huni felt he had demonstrated resilience and a willingness to give his all, even when he wasn’t at peak conditioning. "I took the fight on short notice and gave it everything I had.
Even though I was stopped late, it was a win‑win for me," Huni reflected. "I wasn’t at my best, I didn’t have a full training camp, but the sky’s the limit for what I can achieve." He also noted that his marketability has risen since the Wardley bout, pointing out that Wardley’s subsequent world‑champion status has inadvertently shone a spotlight on Huni’s own potential. "My stock has gone up," he said. "Seeing Fabio become a champion made me study the fight, work on the gaps in my game, and come back stronger." When the decisive punch landed against him, Huni admitted that the moment underscored a universal truth in boxing: there is no room for complacency.
"You can’t switch off in heavyweight boxing – or any division – because a single punch can change everything," he warned. Across the Atlantic, another heavyweight, Richard Riakporhe, has been mentioned as a possible headliner for an O2 event.
The British fighter, known for his hard‑hitting style, sees a potential clash with Itauma as an exciting prospect. When asked about the likelihood of facing the Nigerian‑born contender, Riakporhe replied to 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 also offered insight into Itauma’s current standing within the heavyweight hierarchy. "Moses is in a very strong position right now. He’s ranked high, and there’s talk about pushing him toward a world‑title shot. Everyone’s on different trajectories, but he has a lot of hype behind him," he explained.
"People have high expectations for him, and it seems the promoters are strategically guiding him toward the top, which is great for his career." The broader heavyweight landscape is buzzing with speculation. With the WBO title now held by Wardley, the division is ripe for fresh match‑ups that could reshape the rankings. Huni’s desire to test himself against a fast, technically sound opponent like Itauma adds another layer of intrigue. Meanwhile, Riakporhe’s power‑punching reputation makes him a compelling alternative for promoters looking to sell a marquee event at the O2.
If the July 25 fight proceeds as scheduled, the O2 Arena could become the stage for a pivotal moment in both fighters’ careers. For Itauma, a victory would cement his status as a top contender and possibly accelerate a push toward a world‑title opportunity. For Huni, a win would demonstrate his ability to rebound from setbacks and re‑establish himself as a serious threat in the heavyweight division.
Fans can look forward to a potential clash that blends speed, power, and resilience – qualities that have defined both men’s recent performances. As the boxing world awaits official confirmations, the anticipation continues to build, promising an exciting summer for heavyweight enthusiasts.