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 announced. Australian heavyweight prospect Justis Huni has stepped forward, signalling his willingness to take on the British fighter.
Fresh off a convincing points win over Frazer Clarke, Huni is confident that a showdown with Itauma is inevitable. "One hundred percent," Huni told Sky Sports. "I have a feeling we’ll cross paths at some point down the line." Itauma’s most recent performance underscored why he’s rapidly climbing the heavyweight rankings.
He dismantled Jermaine Franklin with ruthless efficiency, displaying a blend of power and speed that is rare for a boxer of his size. Among the attributes that set him apart is an unusually quick hand speed for a heavyweight, a trait that makes him a dangerous opponent for anyone in the division. Huni, however, couldn’t resist teasing a comparison.
"I wonder if I can match his speed," he mused, adding that only time will reveal who truly holds the title of the fastest heavyweight. "We’ll meet somewhere down the road." The Australian’s career has been a story of redemption after a late‑round stoppage loss to Fabio Wardley. Wardley, who knocked Huni out at Portman Road, has since ascended to become the WBO heavyweight world champion.
Huni’s defeat was a setback, but it also provided a valuable learning experience that he has been eager to build upon. Reflecting on that loss, Huni said, "It was a solid challenge for me. I took it on at short notice, stepped into the ring, and gave it everything I had.
Even though I was stopped late in the fight, I consider it a win‑win because it highlighted where I need to improve." He admitted that the bout came at a time when his preparation was less than ideal. "I wasn’t at my best, I didn’t have a full training camp. The sky’s the limit for me now," Huni remarked.
"My stock has risen. Look at what Fabio has achieved—he’s a world champion.
I watched that fight, identified my weaknesses, and have been working hard to fix them." Huni emphasized that the loss was not a sign of decline but a catalyst for growth. "I didn’t need to commit to anything late in the fight; I felt I was comfortably ahead. Then he landed that perfect shot, and that’s all it took.
In heavyweight boxing, you can never switch off—one punch can end everything." Beyond Huni, another name has surfaced as a potential O2 headline: British contender Richard Riakporhe. Known for his hard‑hitting style, Riakporhe could provide an electrifying bout that would complement an Itauma‑Huni clash should the promoters decide to stack the card.
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 our paths will cross in the future." He added insight into Itauma’s current standing in the division.
"Moses is in a great spot 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 Moses has a lot of hype behind him. People have high expectations, and his team seems to be strategically guiding him toward the top.
That’s great for his career." The heavyweight landscape is shifting, with several fighters positioning themselves for marquee match‑ups. Huni’s recent points victory over Clarke demonstrated his technical proficiency and ability to control the pace of a fight, while his loss to Wardley highlighted areas for improvement that he has been diligently addressing.
Meanwhile, Itauma’s knockout of Franklin showcased his lethal combination of speed and power, making him a tantalizing prospect for fans eager to see a new generation of heavyweights emerge. If a Huni‑Itauma showdown materializes, it would likely be a clash of contrasting styles: Huni’s methodical, pressure‑based approach versus Itauma’s explosive hand speed and knockout capability. Such a fight would not only test each boxer’s skill set but also serve as a litmus test for where they stand in the race toward a world‑title opportunity.
Promoters are reportedly exploring various scenarios for the O2 Arena event, weighing the commercial appeal of a British‑Australian showdown against other potential headliners. The venue’s capacity and history of hosting high‑profile boxing nights make it an ideal stage for a bout that could draw significant international attention.
In the meantime, both fighters continue to train, refine their techniques, and seek the right moment to step into the ring. Huni has spoken about the importance of a full training camp and the need to stay vigilant, while Itauma remains focused on capitalising on his momentum and climbing the rankings. As the heavyweight division evolves, fans can expect a series of compelling narratives to unfold—whether it’s a future Huni‑Itauma encounter, a potential Riakporhe headline, or other emerging match‑ups that could reshape the hierarchy.
The anticipation builds, and the promise of high‑octane action at the O2 Arena keeps the boxing community eagerly watching for the next official announcement.