Moses Itauma has already secured the date and location for his upcoming bout – July 25 at London’s iconic O2 Arena – but the opponent’s name is still pending confirmation. Among the contenders eager to step into the ring with him is Australian heavyweight prospect Justis Huni. Fresh off a convincing points win over Frazer Clarke, Huni has made it clear that a showdown with Itauma is inevitable. "One hundred percent," Huni told Sky Sports.
"I feel like we’ll cross paths at some point down the line." His confidence reflects a broader narrative within the heavyweight division, where a handful of rising stars are jockeying for position while seasoned veterans look to re‑establish themselves. Itauma’s recent performance has only heightened interest. In his latest fight he dispatched Jermaine Franklin with ruthless efficiency, showcasing a blend of power and speed that is rare for a heavyweight. Observers noted his blistering hand speed, a trait that often distinguishes the division’s elite.
Huni, however, couldn’t resist a little friendly rivalry, wondering whether he could match Itauma’s quickness. "Time will tell," he said, adding, "We’ll meet somewhere down the line." The Australian’s journey has been anything but smooth.
Earlier this year he suffered a late‑round stoppage at the hands of Fabio Wardley, a bout that ended at Portman Road and subsequently propelled Wardley to the WBO heavyweight world title. Huni has used that loss as a catalyst for growth. He reflected on the experience, saying, "It was a good challenge for myself. 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 myself." He went on to explain that the defeat came at a time when his preparation was far from ideal. "I wasn’t at my best, I didn’t have a full training camp.
The sky’s the limit," Huni remarked. He added that watching Wardley’s ascent to world champion status motivated him to refine his own game. "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 that good shot and that’s all it took. You can’t switch off in heavyweight boxing, or any division – one punch can change everything." Huni’s candid assessment underscores a key truth in the heavyweight ranks: a single moment can rewrite a career trajectory.
His remarks also hint at a renewed hunger to climb back into title contention, a goal that would likely involve taking on other high‑profile opponents before a potential Itauma clash. One such opponent could be Britain’s own Richard Riakporhe, a hard‑punching contender who has already headlined events at the O2. A British title fight between Riakporhe and Huni would make for a compelling undercard, adding depth to the July 25 card and offering fans a taste of the power and skill that define the division’s next wave.
When asked about the prospect of eventually facing Itauma, Riakporhe offered a measured response to Sky Sports: "Anything is possible, we just have to wait and see what opportunities become available. Who knows?
Maybe in the future our paths could meet." He elaborated on Itauma’s current standing, noting, "Moses Itauma is in a good position right now. He’s ranked really high, so I don’t know if they’re trying to push him for a world‑title shot. I feel like everybody’s on different trajectories.
He’s got a lot of hype behind him, and people have high hopes for him. I think they’re strategically guiding him to get to the top, and that’s great for him." The broader context of these comments reveals a heavyweight landscape in flux. On one side, you have the established champions and former title challengers like Wardley, who continue to defend their crowns and set the benchmark for success. On the other, a new generation of fighters—Huni, Itauma, Riakporhe—are carving out their own narratives, each seeking that defining fight that will catapult them into the global spotlight.
For Huni, the path forward likely involves a mix of rebuilding confidence through strategic match‑ups and sharpening the technical aspects that cost him against Wardley. His emphasis on learning from past defeats, combined with a clear belief that his market value has risen, suggests he is positioning himself for a comeback that could culminate in a high‑stakes encounter with Itauma.
Itauma, meanwhile, is riding a wave of momentum. His victory over Franklin not only demonstrated his power but also highlighted a speed that can trouble even the most seasoned heavyweights. As his ranking climbs, promoters will be eager to match him against opponents who can test his limits and generate fan interest. A bout with Huni would offer a clash of styles—speed versus power, Australian grit against British poise—making it an attractive proposition for broadcasters and ticket buyers alike.
In summary, the heavyweight division is brimming with anticipation. Justis Huni has publicly declared his intention to meet Moses Itauma, and while the exact timing remains uncertain, both fighters are actively shaping their careers to make that eventual showdown as compelling as possible.
Whether it materializes at the O2 Arena later this summer or later in the year, the prospect of these two rising stars finally colliding promises to deliver a thrilling chapter in modern heavyweight boxing.