Moses Itauma has already locked in the 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. Australian heavyweight prospect Justis Huni has stepped forward, signalling his readiness to take on the rising star. Fresh off a convincing points victory over fellow Brit Frazer Clarke, Huni is confident that a showdown with Itauma is inevitable.
"One hundred percent," Huni told Sky Sports. "I have a strong feeling that our paths will cross at some point down the line." Itauma’s most recent performance was a dominant display against Jermaine Franklin, where he showcased a blend of power and surprising hand speed for a heavyweight. That speed, coupled with his relentless aggression, has made many fans wonder whether Huni could match or even surpass him in the speed department. "Only time will tell," Huni replied when asked about the comparison, adding, "We’ll meet somewhere down the road." The Australian fighter has been on a rebuilding trajectory after a late‑round stoppage loss to Fabio Wardley.
Wardley, who knocked Huni out at Portman Road, later captured the WBO heavyweight title, underscoring the high level of competition Huni has already faced. In a recent interview, Huni reflected on his loss, emphasizing the lessons learned and his determination to improve. "It was a solid test for me," Huni said.
"I accepted it on short notice, gave it everything I had, and even though I was stopped late in the fight, I consider it a win‑win for my development." He went on to explain that the defeat came at a time when he hadn’t been able to complete a full training camp. "I wasn’t at my peak, but the experience showed me the ceiling of my potential," he noted. "The sky’s the limit for me now." Huni also pointed out that his market value has risen since the Wardley fight.
"Look at what Fabio achieved – he’s now a world champion. Watching that fight, I identified the areas I needed to work on and have been grinding on them ever since," Huni said.
"Even though I didn’t need to go the distance that night, a single clean shot from Wardley was enough to end it. That’s the reality of heavyweight boxing – you can never afford to switch off because one punch can change everything." Beyond Huni, other heavyweight names have been linked to a potential O2 headliner. Richard Riakporhe, known for his power‑punching style, has expressed interest in a British title clash that could serve as a spectacular co‑main event. When questioned about the possibility of facing Itauma in the future, Riakporhe told Sky Sports, "Anything is possible; we just have to wait and see what opportunities arise." He added, "Moses Itauma is in an excellent position right now.
He’s ranked very high, and there’s talk that the governing bodies might be steering him toward a world‑title shot. Everyone’s on a different trajectory, but he’s got a lot of hype and a solid support system behind him. People have high expectations, and it looks like they’re guiding him strategically toward the top." The landscape of the heavyweight division is currently in flux.
With the likes of Wardley, Tyson Fury, and Oleksandr Usyk holding major titles, the next generation of contenders is eager to stake their claim. Huni’s recent points win over Clarke demonstrated his technical growth and ability to control the pace of a fight, qualities that could serve him well against a fast‑moving opponent like Itauma.
Itauma’s own skill set is worth noting. His hand speed, unusual for a heavyweight, allows him to throw combinations that can overwhelm slower opponents.
Coupled with his power, he has the potential to end fights early, as evidenced by his knockout of Franklin. However, analysts suggest that his defensive fundamentals could still be refined, an area where Huni might capitalize.
If a Huni‑Itauma matchup materialises, it would likely be billed as a clash of styles – the Australian’s disciplined, point‑based approach versus the Nigerian‑born Brit’s explosive, high‑tempo aggression. Such a fight would not only attract domestic attention but also generate international interest, given both fighters’ aspirations for world‑title contention. In the meantime, both athletes continue to train intensively. Huni has spoken about focusing on his conditioning and sharpening his jab, while Itauma is reportedly working on defensive footwork and counter‑punching to complement his natural aggression.
Their respective camps are also scouting potential sparring partners who can simulate each other's strengths, ensuring both men are prepared for any eventuality. The boxing community remains eager for an official announcement. As the July 25 date approaches, promoters will likely weigh the commercial appeal of a Huni‑Itauma showdown against other possible pairings. Regardless of the final decision, the anticipation surrounding these two heavyweight talents underscores the vibrant future of the division.
Fans can stay updated through Sky Sports broadcasts, streaming platforms, and boxing podcasts such as Toe2Toe, which regularly feature in‑depth analysis and interviews with the fighters. Whether Huni and Itauma eventually meet in the ring or take alternative routes to the top, their dedication and ambition promise an exciting era for heavyweight boxing.