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 remains to be confirmed. Among the fighters expressing interest is Australian heavyweight contender Justis Huni, who has publicly signalled his willingness to step into the ring with Itauma.
Huni, fresh from a convincing points‑decision win over Frazer Clarke, believes a showdown with the Nigerian‑born pugilist is inevitable. "One hundred percent," Huni told Sky Sports. "I have a strong feeling we’ll cross paths at some point down the line." Itauma’s recent performance has only heightened the intrigue.
In his latest fight he dispatched Jermaine Franklin with ruthless efficiency, showcasing a blend of power and speed that is uncommon in the heavyweight division. One of the standout attributes on display was his blistering hand speed, a quality that often catches larger opponents off‑guard. Huni, while respectful of Itauma’s skill set, couldn’t resist teasing a comparison. "Can I match his speed?
Time will tell," he quipped, adding, "We’ll meet somewhere down the road." The Australian’s own journey has been a story of resilience. After a late‑round stoppage loss to Fabio Wardley – the same fighter who later captured the WBO heavyweight title – Huni has been rebuilding his confidence and sharpening his technique.
He reflected on that setback with a measured perspective. "It was a solid challenge for me.
I took it on short notice, gave it everything I had, and even though I was stopped late, it was a win‑win for my development," Huni explained. "I wasn’t at my peak – I didn’t have a full camp – but the experience taught me a lot. The sky’s the limit now." He continued, "My stock has risen.
Look at what Fabio achieved – he’s a world champion. Watching that fight, I identified the areas I needed to improve. I didn’t have to commit to a full fight; I felt comfortable until that one clean shot landed.
In heavyweight boxing, you can never afford to switch off, because a single punch can end everything." Across the Atlantic, another heavyweight, Richard Riakporhe, has also been linked to a potential O2 headline. Known for his hard‑hitting style, Riakporhe believes a British title clash could be a spectacular event for the venue. When Sky Sports asked Riakporhe about the possibility of eventually facing Itauma, he responded thoughtfully: "Anything is possible; we just have to wait and see what opportunities arise. Who knows?
Our paths might intersect in the future." Riakporhe went on to analyse Itauma’s current standing. "Moses is in a strong position right now.
He’s ranked very high, and there’s talk of pushing him toward a world‑title shot. Everyone’s on different trajectories, but he’s got a lot of hype and strategic guidance behind him. People have high hopes, and that’s beneficial for his career." The potential matchup between Huni and Itauma carries several layers of intrigue. For Huni, a victory over a rising star like Itauma would not only restore momentum after his loss to Wardley but also position him as a credible contender for future European or even world‑title opportunities.
For Itauma, a win against a seasoned opponent with a reputation for durability would solidify his claim to a top‑10 ranking and keep the conversation about a world‑title shot alive. Both fighters bring contrasting styles to the table. Itauma’s speed and technical precision contrast with Huni’s power‑focused approach and relentless work ethic. If the bout materialises, it could serve as a classic clash of speed versus power, a narrative that boxing fans always relish.
Beyond the two, the broader heavyweight landscape is evolving. The division has seen a resurgence of talent from Europe, Africa, and Oceania, each bringing distinct attributes that enrich the sport.
The O2 Arena, with its storied history of hosting marquee events, would provide an ideal backdrop for such a high‑stakes encounter, drawing fans from across the continent. In the meantime, both Huni and Riakporhe are staying active, taking fights that will keep them sharp and marketable. Huni’s recent win over Clarke demonstrated his ability to adapt and execute a game plan over twelve rounds, while Riakporhe continues to build his reputation as a knockout artist in the British circuit.
As the July 25 date approaches, the boxing community will be watching closely for any official announcements. Promoters, broadcasters, and fans alike are eager to see whether the long‑awaited Huni‑Itauma showdown will finally be confirmed, or if another contender will step into the spotlight. Whatever the outcome, the heavyweight division remains vibrant, with multiple storylines converging toward an exciting summer of fights.
In summary, Justis Huni has openly declared his intention to meet Moses Itauma, emphasizing certainty and anticipation. Itauma’s recent dominant performance, highlighted by his swift hand speed, makes him a compelling opponent. Meanwhile, Richard Riakporhe also acknowledges the potential for future clashes, noting Itauma’s high ranking and the strategic push toward a world title. The upcoming O2 Arena event promises to be a focal point for heavyweight drama, and fans can expect further developments as promoters finalize match‑ups and the fighters continue to sharpen their skills in preparation for what could be a defining moment in both careers.