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 confirmed. Among the names being floated is Australian heavyweight prospect Justis Huni, who has publicly expressed his eagerness to step into the ring with the rising Nigerian‑British star. Huni, fresh from a convincing points‑decision win over fellow Briton Frazer Clarke, believes a showdown with Itauma is inevitable.
"One hundred percent," he told Sky Sports. "I have a strong feeling we’ll cross paths at some point down the line." Itauma’s most recent performance showcased why he is quickly becoming a hot‑ticket attraction in the heavyweight division. He dispatched Jermaine Franklin with ruthless efficiency, displaying a blend of power and precision that is rare for a man of his size. Perhaps the most eye‑catching attribute on display was his blistering hand speed – a trait that often distinguishes elite heavyweights from the rest of the pack.
Huni, however, hinted that the race for the title of "fastest heavyweight" in the division is still open. "Only time will tell," he remarked when asked about the speed comparison. "We’ll meet somewhere down the line, and then we’ll see who really has the edge." The Australian fighter is still rebuilding after a late‑round stoppage at the hands of former WBO champion Fabio Wardley, who knocked Huni out at Portman Road before capturing the world title.
Despite that setback, Huni remains optimistic about his future prospects. In a candid interview, he reflected on the Wardley fight, saying, "It was a good challenge for me.
I took it on at short notice, and I gave it everything I had. Even though I was stopped late, it was a win‑win for my development." He went on to explain that the loss came at a time when he hadn’t been able to complete a full training camp. "I wasn’t at my absolute best, and the sky’s the limit for me now," Huni said. "My stock has definitely risen.
Look at what Fabio has achieved – he’s a world champion. I watched that fight, identified my weaknesses, and have been working hard to fix them." Huni emphasized that in heavyweight boxing there is no room for complacency.
"You can’t switch off at any moment, because one clean punch can end everything," he warned. "I felt comfortable for most of the fight, but a single shot changed the outcome. That’s the nature of this sport." Across the Atlantic, British contender Richard Riakporhe has also been linked to a potential O2 headliner. Known for his hard‑hitting style, Riakporhe could provide an exciting co‑main event if a fight with Itauma materialises.
When asked about the possibility, 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 offered his 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 steering him toward a world‑title shot," he said. "Everyone’s on a different trajectory, but his hype is massive and the strategic planning around his career seems aimed at getting him to the very top." If a bout between Huni and Itauma does come to fruition, it would likely be billed as a clash of contrasting styles – Huni’s gritty, resilient approach versus Itauma’s lightning‑quick hands and aggressive offense. Both fighters have expressed a clear desire to test themselves against each other, and their mutual respect adds an extra layer of intrigue for fans.
Beyond the immediate matchup, the heavyweight division as a whole is entering an exciting phase. With established names like Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk holding major titles, the next wave of challengers is eager to stake their claim. Fighters such as Huni, Itauma, and Riakporhe represent the fresh talent pool that could reshape the landscape over the next few years. For now, the boxing world will keep a close eye on the negotiations surrounding Itauma’s July 25 fight.
Whether he ends up facing Huni, Riakporhe, or another contender, the event promises to be a significant stepping stone in his ascent toward a potential world‑title opportunity. As the athletes themselves have indicated, the paths are set, the ambitions are high, and the eventual meeting – whenever it occurs – is bound to deliver a memorable chapter in heavyweight boxing history.