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 fighters eager to step into the ring with him is Australian heavyweight prospect Justis Hunan, who has publicly signaled his willingness to take on the British contender. Hunan, fresh from a disciplined points‑decision win over fellow UK boxer Frazer Clarke, is confident that a showdown with Itauma will happen sooner rather than later. "One hundred percent," Hunan told Sky Sports.
"I have a strong feeling that our paths will cross at some point down the line." Itauma’s most recent performance underscored why he is quickly becoming a buzz‑worthy name in the division. In a dominant display he stopped Jermaine Franklin, showcasing a blend of power and speed that is unusual for a heavyweight. His hand speed, in particular, has drawn praise from commentators who note that he can fire off rapid combinations that catch opponents off‑guard, a trait that makes him a dangerous adversary for anyone in the weight class. Hunan, however, has hinted that he might be able to match—or even surpass—those attributes.
"Only time will tell if I can be the fastest in the division," he remarked, adding, "We’ll meet somewhere down the line." The Australian’s career trajectory has been a story of resilience. After suffering a late‑round stoppage at the hands of Fabio Wardley—who knocked Hunan out at Portman Road before later capturing the WBO heavyweight world title—Hunan has worked tirelessly to rebuild his standing.
He has taken on challenging opponents on short notice, using each fight as a learning experience to fine‑tune his craft. In a recent interview, Hunan reflected on his fight against Wardley: "It was a good challenge for me. 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." He acknowledged that the bout came at a time when he wasn’t at his physical peak, noting the lack of a full training camp: "That was me not even being at my best, not having a full training camp. The sky's the limit." Hunan believes his marketability has risen despite the loss. "I feel like my stock went up," he said, pointing to Wardley’s subsequent rise to world champion as evidence that even in defeat there can be valuable exposure. "I watched the fight back, worked on the things that I needed to work on.
I didn’t even need to commit to anything that late in the fight. I felt like I was ahead comfortably. He landed a 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." Across the pond, another heavyweight—British contender Richard Riakporhe—has also been mentioned as a potential O2 headliner.
Known for his heavy‑handed style, Riakporhe could provide an electrifying matchup if the promoter decides to stack the card with multiple high‑profile fights. When asked about the possibility of eventually facing Itauma, Riakporhe told Sky Sports: "Anything is possible; we just have to wait and see what opportunities arise. Who knows? Maybe in the future our paths could meet." Riakporhe went on to explain his perspective on Itauma’s current standing: "Moses Itauma is in a great position right now.
He’s ranked very high, and there’s speculation that the governing bodies might be steering him toward a world‑title shot. Everyone’s on different trajectories. He has a lot of hype behind him, and people have high hopes for his future. I think the strategic guidance he’s receiving is aimed at getting him to the top, which is great for his career." Both Hunan and Riakporhe recognize that the heavyweight division is in a state of flux, with several fighters jockeying for position as the next big name.
For Itauma, the upcoming O2 fight represents a pivotal moment. A successful performance could catapult him into the conversation for a world‑title eliminator, while a loss might slow his momentum.
The heavyweight landscape has been reshaped in recent years by the emergence of new talent and the resurgence of seasoned veterans. Fighters like Wardley have demonstrated that a single victory can elevate a boxer from contender to champion, and many see Itauma as a potential next step in that pattern.
Meanwhile, Hunan’s determination to bounce back from his setback reflects a broader trend of resilience among modern heavyweights, who often use defeats as stepping stones rather than career‑ending events. If a Hunan‑Itauma clash does materialize, it would likely be billed as a clash of contrasting styles: Hunan’s disciplined, technically sound approach versus Itauma’s explosive hand speed and raw power. Such a matchup would not only attract fans in the UK but also generate interest internationally, especially given the growing global appetite for heavyweight boxing. Beyond the immediate fight cards, both fighters have been active in expanding their brand presence.
Hunan has signed deals for streaming his fights on platforms that offer contract‑free viewing, while Itauma has been featured on podcasts such as Toe2Toe, where he discusses his training regimen and future aspirations. These media engagements help build a narrative that keeps fans invested in their journeys.
In summary, the heavyweight division is poised for several compelling storylines in the coming months. Moses Itauma’s upcoming bout at the O2 Arena is set to be a showcase of his talent, while Justis Hunan remains ready to step up and test himself against the rising British star.
Richard Riakporhe, meanwhile, continues to position himself as a potential headline act. As the calendar fills out, boxing enthusiasts can look forward to a series of high‑stakes encounters that could reshape the rankings and set the stage for future world‑title battles.