Moses Itauma already has a date and a venue locked in 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 readiness to take on the rising star. Fresh off a convincing points win over fellow Brit Frazer Clarke, Huni is confident that a showdown with Itauma is inevitable.
"One hundred percent," Huni told Sky Sports. "I’m certain our paths will cross at some point in the near future." Itauma’s most recent performance was a dominant display against Jermaine Franklin, where he showcased a blend of power and speed rarely seen in the heavyweight division. His rapid hand speed, in particular, sets him apart from many of his peers and makes him a dangerous opponent for anyone in the weight class.
Huni, however, wondered whether he could match Itauma’s quickness. "Only time will tell," he replied when asked about the speed factor. "We’ll meet somewhere down the line." The Australian’s career has been on a rebuilding trajectory after a late‑round stoppage loss to Fabio Wardley. Wardley, who knocked Huni out at Portman Road, has since ascended to the WBO heavyweight world championship, underscoring the high level of competition Huni has already faced.
Reflecting on his own fight against Wardley, Huni said, "It was a solid challenge for me. I took the bout on short notice and gave it everything I had. Even though I was stopped late, it was still a valuable experience for my development." He added that the loss came at a time when he hadn’t been able to run a full training camp, which he believes limited his performance.
"I wasn’t at my best, but the sky’s the limit for me," Huni said. "My stock has risen because I learned a lot from that fight. Watching Wardley’s rise to world champion, I studied the footage, identified my weaknesses, and worked hard to fix them." Huni emphasized the unforgiving nature of heavyweight boxing: "You can’t afford to switch off at any moment.
One clean punch can change everything, no matter the division. In that fight I felt comfortable until Wardley landed a perfect shot, and that was all it took." Across the Atlantic, British contender Richard Riakporhe has also been mentioned as a possible opponent for an O2 headliner.
Riakporhe, known for his hard‑hitting style, said to Sky Sports that anything is possible and that he is simply waiting for the right opportunity. "Maybe our paths will cross in the future," he said.
When asked about Itauma’s current standing, Riakporhe noted, "Moses is in an excellent 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 has a lot of hype and strategic guidance behind him, which is great for his career." The prospect of a Huni‑Itauma clash is generating buzz among boxing fans because both fighters bring contrasting styles. Huni, a rugged, pressure‑based boxer‑puncher, relies on his experience and resilience, while Itauma combines explosive speed with technical precision, making him a versatile threat.
If the fight does materialise, it could serve as a stepping stone for both athletes. For Huni, a victory would solidify his comeback after the Wardley setback and potentially catapult him into contention for a European or even world title. For Itauma, defeating a seasoned opponent like Huni would reinforce his claim as a future heavyweight champion and likely accelerate his ascent up the rankings. The O2 Arena, with its capacity to host large crowds and its reputation as a premier venue for major boxing events, would provide an ideal backdrop for such a high‑stakes encounter.
The venue has previously staged memorable heavyweight bouts, and a Huni‑Itauma showdown would add to that legacy. In the meantime, both fighters continue to train and fine‑tune their skills.
Huni has been focusing on improving his defensive timing and increasing his punch output, while Itauma is working on maintaining his hand speed and adding more power to his combinations. Their respective camps are also analyzing each other’s fight footage to develop tactical game plans. Fans can expect promotional material, press conferences, and perhaps a joint weigh‑in to build anticipation.
As the July 25 date approaches, the boxing community will be watching closely for official confirmation of the opponent and any additional details regarding the fight card. Should the bout be confirmed, it will likely be broadcast through major sports networks and streaming platforms, offering global audiences the chance to witness a clash between two of the heavyweight division’s most intriguing talents. The narrative of a seasoned Australian challenger versus a fast‑rising British prospect promises an exciting storyline that could captivate both casual viewers and hardcore boxing enthusiasts alike. Regardless of the final matchup, the heavyweight scene remains vibrant, with multiple fighters jostling for position and seeking opportunities to prove themselves on the world stage.
Huni’s determination to bounce back, Itauma’s rapid rise, and Riakporhe’s readiness to step into the spotlight all contribute to a dynamic and evolving landscape that keeps fans eagerly anticipating the next big fight.