Moses Itauma already knows when and where his next bout will take place – the O2 Arena in London on July 25 – but the identity of his opponent remains to be confirmed. 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 Briton Frazer Clarke, Huni is confident that a showdown with Itauma is inevitable. "One hundred percent," Huni told Sky Sports.
"I have a feeling that our paths will cross at some point down the line." Itauma’s most recent performance underscored why he is being talked about so loudly in the heavyweight scene. He dispatched Jermaine Franklin in dominant fashion, showcasing a blend of power and speed that is rare for a man of his size. In particular, his hand speed has drawn comparisons to the lighter weight divisions, a trait that makes him a dangerous opponent for anyone in the heavyweight ranks.
Huni, however, hinted that the debate over who is the quickest puncher in the division is still open. "Only time will tell," he said, adding, "We’ll meet somewhere down the line." The Australian fighter has been on a rebuilding journey after a late‑round stoppage loss to Fabio Wardley, the boxer who knocked Huni out at Portman Road before capturing the WBO heavyweight world title.
Huni reflected on that setback with a mix of humility and optimism. "It was a good challenge for me.
I took it on at short notice and all I could do was go out there and give it my best shot. Even though I got stopped late in the fight, it was still a win‑win for myself," he explained. He noted that the loss came at a time when he was not at his peak, lacking a full training camp. "That was me not even being at my best, not having a full training camp.
The sky's the limit," Huni said, indicating that he believes his ceiling is far higher than his recent performances suggest. He also pointed out that watching Wardley's rise to world champion status gave him a blueprint for improvement. "I watched the fight back, worked on the things that I needed to work on.
I didn’t even need to commit to anything that late in the fight. I felt like I was ahead comfortably. He landed that good shot and that was all it took.
You just can’t switch off in heavyweight boxing, or in any division. One punch can change everything." The possibility of a British‑title clash also looms on the horizon. Heavy‑hitter Richard Riakporhe, known for his power and tenacity, could provide a spectacular headliner for the O2 if a matchup with Itauma materialises. When asked about a potential future bout with the Nigerian‑born contender, Riakporhe told Sky Sports, "Anything is possible, we just have to wait and see what opportunities become available.
Who knows? Maybe in the future our paths could meet." Riakporhe elaborated on Itauma’s current standing, noting that the Nigerian heavyweight is already perched high on the rankings and appears to be on a fast‑track toward a world‑title opportunity.
"Moses Itauma, he's in a good position right now. He's ranked really high so I don't know if they're trying to push him for a world title shot. I feel like everybody's on different types of trajectories, routes. He's in a very good position right now.
He's got a lot of hype behind him. People have high hopes for him and I think they're strategically guiding him to get to the top and that's great for him," the British fighter said. The heavyweight division is currently in a state of flux, with several promising talents vying for the spotlight. Itauma’s blend of speed, power, and technical skill makes him a compelling figure, while Huni’s resilience and willingness to learn from past defeats show a fighter determined to climb back into contention.
Riakporhe’s raw power adds another layer of intrigue, suggesting that the O2 could host a series of high‑stakes matchups that would captivate fans worldwide. If a Huni‑Itauma bout does happen, it would likely be billed as a clash of contrasting styles – Huni’s aggressive, forward‑pressing approach versus Itauma’s slick, rapid‑fire punching. Both fighters have expressed respect for each other's abilities, and that mutual acknowledgement could translate into a compelling narrative for promoters and broadcasters alike. Beyond the immediate fight talk, the broader context of heavyweight boxing in 2024 includes the ongoing dominance of the current world champions, the emergence of new contenders from Africa and Oceania, and the ever‑present question of who will be the next challenger for the major belts.
Itauma’s recent victory over Franklin, Huni’s comeback after the Wardley loss, and Riakporhe’s hunger for a title shot are all pieces of a larger puzzle that fans are eager to see solved. In summary, while the exact opponent for Moses Itauma’s July 25 fight at the O2 remains to be named, the pool of potential challengers is both deep and exciting.
Justis Huni has publicly declared his intention to meet Itauma, and Richard Riakporhe has left the door open for a future encounter. All three fighters bring distinct attributes to the ring, promising that any eventual matchup could deliver fireworks for the heavyweight audience. The boxing world will be watching closely as negotiations progress and as each athlete continues to refine their craft in preparation for what could become a landmark event in the sport’s recent history.