Moses Itauma has already locked in the date and location for his upcoming bout – July 25 at London’s iconic O2 Arena – but the identity of his opponent remains to be confirmed. One name that keeps surfacing in the conversation is Australian heavyweight prospect Justis Hunan.
Fresh off a convincing points win over Frazer Clarke, Hunan has signaled his willingness to step into the ring with Itauma when the opportunity arises. "One hundred percent," Hunan told Sky Sports. "I have a feeling our paths will cross at some point down the line." His confidence reflects both his own ambitions and the respect he has for Itauma’s recent performances.
In his latest fight, Itauma dispatched Jermaine Franklin with ruthless efficiency, showcasing a blend of power and blistering hand speed that is rare for a heavyweight. The speed element, in particular, has drawn attention from commentators who wonder whether Hunan could match or even surpass Itauma’s quickness in the division.
"Only time will tell," Hunan replied when asked about the speed debate, adding, "We’ll meet somewhere down the line." Hunan’s career has been a story of resilience. After a late‑round stoppage loss to Fabio Wardley – the man who later claimed the WBO heavyweight crown – Hunan has rebuilt his reputation with hard‑working performances and a renewed focus on his craft. He reflected on the Wardley fight, saying, "It was a solid challenge that I took on at short notice.
I gave it everything I had, even though I was stopped late in the fight. In the end, it was a win‑win for me because it highlighted the areas I need to improve." He admitted that the Wardley bout came without a full training camp, which left him not at his peak.
"The sky’s the limit," Hunan said, emphasizing that his marketability and confidence have risen despite the setback. "Seeing Fabio become a world champion after that fight made me study the footage, work on my weaknesses, and come back stronger.
I didn’t need to commit to anything beyond the late rounds; I felt comfortable until that one decisive shot landed. In heavyweight boxing – or any weight class – you can never afford to switch off, because a single punch can change everything." Across the Atlantic, British heavyweight Richard Riakporhe has also been mentioned as a possible O2 headline.
Riakporhe, known for his power and aggressive style, could provide a compelling showdown if he were to face Itauma. When Sky Sports asked him about the prospect of eventually meeting Itauma, Riakporhe responded, "Anything is possible; we just have to wait and see what opportunities arise.
Who knows? Maybe our paths will cross in the future." Riakporhe went on to explain Itauma’s current standing in the heavyweight landscape. "Moses is in a great spot right now. He’s ranked very high, and there’s talk about pushing him toward a world‑title shot.
Everyone seems to be on different trajectories, but Moses has a lot of hype behind him. People have high expectations, and it looks like his team is strategically guiding him toward the top, which is great for his career." The heavyweight division is entering an intriguing phase, with several contenders jockeying for position. Hunan’s desire to fight Itauma is not just about personal ambition; it reflects a broader narrative of Australian heavyweights seeking to make a mark on the global stage. Hunan’s recent victory over Clarke demonstrated his technical proficiency and ability to outbox opponents over the distance, qualities that could translate well against Itauma’s explosive style.
If a Hunan‑Itauma clash materializes, it would likely be a clash of contrasting attributes: Hunan’s disciplined, tactical approach versus Itauma’s raw speed and power. Analysts predict that such a fight could serve as a stepping stone for both men toward world‑title contention. For Hunan, defeating a highly ranked, fast‑paced heavyweight like Itauma would elevate his standing in the rankings and potentially open doors to mandatory challenger status. For Itauma, a win against a seasoned opponent with a solid fan base in Australia would reinforce his claim as a future world champion.
Meanwhile, the O2 Arena continues to be a premier venue for heavyweight spectacles in the UK. Its capacity and history of hosting marquee events make it an ideal setting for a bout that could draw fans from both sides of the Atlantic. Promoters are likely to capitalize on the narrative of an Australian challenger versus a rising British star, adding a national rivalry angle that could boost ticket sales and viewership. In the meantime, both fighters are staying active.
Hunan has hinted at taking on additional opponents to sharpen his skills, while Itauma is expected to keep training intensively ahead of his July 25 date. The boxing community will be watching closely for any official announcements, as the timing of a potential Hunan‑Itauma fight could align with other major events on the heavyweight calendar, such as title defenses and eliminators.
As the heavyweight division continues to evolve, the prospect of Hunan finally meeting Itauma remains a tantalizing possibility. Both athletes have expressed confidence that their paths will intersect, and fans can look forward to a high‑stakes encounter that promises excitement, skill, and the ever‑present chance for a career‑defining upset. Whether the fight happens this year or later, the dialogue surrounding it underscores the dynamic and competitive nature of modern heavyweight boxing.