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 Huni, who has publicly expressed his willingness to step into the ring with the rising star.
Huni, fresh from a convincing points win over fellow Brit Frazer Clarke, believes a showdown with Itauma is inevitable. "One hundred percent," he told Sky Sports, "I feel like our paths are bound to cross at some point down the line." His confidence reflects both his own ambition and the respect he holds for Itauma’s rapid ascent in the heavyweight ranks. Itauma’s most recent performance underscored why he is attracting such attention.
In a dominant display, he dispatched Jermaine Franklin with a combination of power and precision that left little doubt about his capabilities. 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, is not shy about questioning whether he could match or even surpass Itauma’s speed. "Only time will tell," he remarked when asked about the potential matchup, adding, "We’ll meet somewhere down the line." The Australian fighter has been on a redemption arc since his late‑round stoppage loss to Fabio Wardley, the man who knocked him out at Portman Road before ascending to the WBO heavyweight throne. Reflecting on that defeat, Huni said, "It was a good challenge for me.
I took it on at short notice and gave it everything I had. Even though I was stopped late in the fight, it was still a win‑win for me because I learned a lot." He emphasized that the loss came at a time when he was not at his peak, noting that he had not enjoyed a full training camp. "The sky’s the limit," he added, underscoring his belief that his ceiling is still far above where he currently stands.
The Australian also highlighted how watching Wardley’s rise to world champion status inspired him to refine his own game. "I watched the fight back, worked on the things I needed to improve," Huni explained. "I didn’t even have to commit to anything late in the fight; I felt comfortable ahead, but a single clean shot changed everything.
In heavyweight boxing – or any division – you can never switch off because one punch can end it all." Beyond Huni, other British heavyweights are also being mentioned as potential O2 headliners. Richard Riakporhe, known for his hard‑hitting style, suggested that a domestic title clash could make for a spectacular main event at the arena. 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." Riakporhe went on to comment on Itauma’s current standing in the division. "Moses is in a great 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 behind him.
People have high hopes, and the promoters seem to be guiding him strategically toward the top, which is great for his career." The broader heavyweight landscape is buzzing with speculation. After his loss to Wardley, Huni has been rebuilding his confidence and skill set, aiming to re‑establish himself as a top contender.
His recent victory over Clarke demonstrated that he can box intelligently, using movement and a sharp jab to outpoint opponents while still possessing the power to end fights abruptly. For Itauma, the July 25 date at the O2 represents a pivotal moment.
A win against a high‑profile opponent like Huni or Riakporhe could catapult him directly into world‑title contention, while a loss might slow his momentum but still leave him in the conversation due to his existing ranking and fan interest. Promoters are likely weighing several scenarios. Pairing Itauma with Huni would create a compelling narrative: the Australian, eager to prove he has learned from his defeat, versus the British prospect who has already shown he can handle seasoned veterans.
Alternatively, a domestic showdown with Riakporhe would tap into the UK market, offering a gritty, power‑based clash that could draw a sizable crowd. Regardless of the final opponent, the fight promises to be a showcase of contrasting styles.
Itauma’s speed and technical boxing could clash with Huni’s aggressive, forward‑pressing approach or Riakporhe’s knockout‑seeking tactics. Fans can expect a blend of tactical exchanges and high‑impact moments, especially given the O2’s reputation for hosting electrifying heavyweight bouts.
In the meantime, both Huni and Riakporhe have reiterated that they remain focused on their own preparation, emphasizing the importance of staying ready for any opportunity that arises. Huni’s remarks about his training camp and willingness to improve suggest he is already back in the gym, fine‑tuning the aspects of his game that cost him against Wardley. Riakporhe, meanwhile, appears content to let the cards fall where they may, trusting that his hard‑punching style will continue to attract attention.
As the countdown to July 25 ticks down, the heavyweight division watches closely. Whether it ends up being Huni, Riakporhe, or another challenger stepping into the ring with Moses Itauma, the bout is set to be a defining chapter in the careers of all involved, and a potential springboard toward the next wave of world‑title opportunities.