Moses Itauma already knows when and where his next contest 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 fill that slot. Fresh from a convincing points win over fellow Briton Frazer Clarke, Huni is confident that a clash with Itauma is inevitable. "One hundred percent," Huni told Sky Sports.
"I have a strong feeling that our paths will intersect at some point down the line." Itauma’s most recent performance has only heightened interest in a potential showdown. He dispatched Jermaine Franklin in dominant fashion, showcasing a blend of power and speed that is rare for a heavyweight. In particular, his hand speed has drawn attention, prompting Huni to wonder whether he could match or even surpass Itauma’s quickness inside the ring. "Time will tell," Huni replied when asked about the speed factor, adding, "We’ll meet somewhere down the line." The Australian’s own journey has been one of rebuilding after a late‑round stoppage at the hands of Fabio Wardley.
Wardley, who knocked Huni out at Portman Road, has since ascended to the WBO heavyweight world championship, underscoring the level of competition Huni has already faced. Huni reflected on that loss, describing it as a valuable learning experience. "It was a good challenge for me. I took it on at short notice and gave it my best shot.
Even though I was stopped late, it was still a win‑win for me," he said. He went on to explain the circumstances surrounding the defeat: "I wasn’t at my best, I didn’t have a full training camp. The sky’s the limit for me now. I feel my stock has risen.
Look at what Fabio has achieved – he’s a world champion. I watched the fight back, identified the areas I needed to improve, and worked on them." Huni emphasized that, despite the stoppage, he never felt out of control during the bout. "I was comfortably ahead for most of the fight. He landed a clean shot, and that was all it took.
In heavyweight boxing – or any division – you can’t afford to switch off. One punch can change everything." The prospect of a British‑title clash between Huni and another rising contender, Richard Riakporhe, has also been floated as a potential headline for the O2 Arena. Riakporhe, known for his heavy‑handed style, acknowledged the possibility of eventually facing Itauma.
"Anything is possible; we just have to wait and see what opportunities arise," he told Sky Sports. "Who knows? Maybe our paths will cross in the future." Riakporhe offered further insight into Itauma’s current standing in the heavyweight landscape.
"Moses is in a strong position right now. He’s ranked very highly, and there’s talk of positioning him for a world‑title shot.
Everyone seems to be on different trajectories, but he’s got a lot of hype behind him. People have high expectations, and it looks like his team is strategically guiding him toward the top. That’s great for him." Both Huni and Riakporhe recognize that the heavyweight division is in a state of flux, with several promising fighters vying for marquee match‑ups. For Huni, a bout with Itauma would represent a chance to test his progress against a technically gifted opponent who combines speed with power.
For Itauma, taking on an experienced contender like Huni could serve as a stepping stone toward the elite echelons of the division, especially if he continues to rack up impressive victories. The upcoming O2 Arena event on July 25 will likely feature a high‑profile fight card, and promoters are keen to assemble a lineup that maximizes fan interest.
Should Huni secure the fight with Itauma, it would add an intriguing narrative – an Australian challenger versus a British‑born talent – to a night already packed with potential headline acts. In the meantime, both fighters remain focused on their preparation. Huni has been rebuilding his conditioning and sharpening his technique after the Wardley loss, while Itauma continues to refine the attributes that have earned him a reputation for speed and precision. Their mutual respect for each other's abilities suggests that when they finally meet, it will be a contest marked by high skill levels and an eagerness to prove themselves on a major stage.
As the boxing world watches, the question remains: when will the two heavyweights finally clash? With Huni’s confidence, Itauma’s rising profile, and the O2 Arena’s status as a premier venue, the odds are leaning toward an eventual showdown that could become a defining moment for both careers.