Moses Itauma already knows when and where his next bout will take place – the fight is slated for July 25 at London’s iconic O2 Arena – but the opponent’s identity 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 win over fellow Brit Frazer Clarke, Huni has made it clear that a showdown with Itauma is inevitable. "One hundred percent," Huni told Sky Sports.
"I feel like our paths will cross at some point down the line." Itauma’s most recent performance demonstrated why he is being talked about as a future contender. He dispatched Jermaine Franklin in spectacular fashion, showcasing a blend of power and speed that is rare for a heavyweight. In particular, his hand speed – often described as blistering for a man of his size – caught many observers off guard and added an extra dimension to his offensive arsenal. Huni, however, wondered whether he could match or even surpass Itauma’s quickness.
"Time will tell," he remarked when asked about the comparison. "We’ll meet somewhere down the line." The Australian fighter has been on a rebuilding journey since his late‑round stoppage loss to Fabio Wardley, the man who knocked Huni out at Portman Road before ascending to the WBO heavyweight throne. Huni reflected on that defeat with a mix of humility and optimism: "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 myself," he said. He added that the loss came at a time when he hadn’t been able to train fully. "That was me not even being at my best, not having a full training camp.
The sky’s the limit. I feel like my stock went up," Huni continued.
Observing Wardley’s rapid rise to world champion status, Huni noted, "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." Across the Atlantic, another name has entered the conversation about a potential O2 headline: British heavyweight Richard Riakporhe. Known for his hard‑hitting style, Riakporhe could provide a compelling matchup with Itauma, should the promoters decide to pair the two. When asked about the prospect, Riakporhe told 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 the British fighter’s high ranking and the buzz surrounding his career. "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 potential clash between Huni and Itauma carries significant intrigue for several reasons. Firstly, both fighters possess contrasting styles: Huni’s experience and resilience versus Itauma’s speed and raw power. A bout would test whether raw speed can overcome a seasoned opponent’s ring IQ and durability.
Secondly, the fight would serve as a stepping‑stone for both athletes. For Huni, a win over a rising prospect like Itauma could catapult him back into world‑title contention after the setback against Wardley. For Itauma, defeating an established name such as Huni would cement his status as a legitimate contender on the global stage.
From a promotional standpoint, the O2 Arena provides an ideal backdrop. The venue has a storied history of hosting marquee boxing events, and a heavyweight showdown would likely draw a sell‑out crowd, boosting both fighters’ profiles and generating significant pay‑per‑view interest. Moreover, the timing – July 25 – fits neatly into the summer boxing calendar, a period traditionally rich with high‑profile bouts. In the broader context of the heavyweight division, the sport is currently in a phase of transition.
Established champions like Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk are busy defending their titles, while a new generation of fighters is emerging, each eager to stake a claim. Huni and Itauma represent two distinct pathways within this evolving landscape: Huni, the seasoned challenger looking to rebound, and Itauma, the hungry up‑and‑comer with a rapid rise. If the matchup materialises, both camps will likely engage in extensive preparation.
Huni will need to address the defensive lapses that led to his stoppage against Wardley, focusing on head movement, distance management, and conditioning to sustain a high‑tempo fight against a fast opponent. Conversely, Itauma’s team will aim to sharpen his offensive output while ensuring he can handle the power and experience that Huni brings. Ultimately, the boxing world will be watching closely. While the exact date for a Huni‑Itauma clash has not been set, the mutual acknowledgment of a future meeting suggests that negotiations are already underway.
Fans can anticipate a high‑stakes encounter that could reshape the heavyweight hierarchy and provide a thrilling spectacle at one of London’s premier venues.