Moses Itauma has already secured the date and location for his upcoming bout – July 25 at London’s iconic O2 Arena – but the opponent’s identity remains to be confirmed. Among the names circulating, Australian heavyweight prospect Justis Huni has stepped forward, expressing a clear desire to be the man opposite Itauma when the fight finally materialises. Huni, who recently earned a convincing points win over fellow Brit Frazer Clarke, is confident that a showdown with Itauma is inevitable.
"One hundred per cent," he told Sky Sports. "I feel like we’re going to meet somewhere along the line at some point." Itauma’s recent performance has only heightened the intrigue. In his latest victory he dispatched Jermaine Franklin in dominant fashion, showcasing a blend of power and speed that is rare for a heavyweight.
Notably, his hand speed has drawn particular praise, as it allows him to land combinations that many larger opponents struggle to counter. Huni, however, has hinted that he might be able to match or even surpass Itauma’s speed. "Time will tell," he said, adding, "We’ll meet somewhere down the line." The Australian’s confidence stems from a career that has seen both highs and setbacks. After a late‑round stoppage loss to Fabio Wardley – the bout that propelled Wardley to the WBO heavyweight crown – Huni has been rebuilding his reputation and sharpening his skills.
Reflecting on the Wardley fight, Huni described the experience as a valuable learning opportunity. "It was a good challenge for myself. 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 me," he explained.
He admitted that the lack of a full training camp meant he was not at his peak, yet he believes the encounter raised his profile. "The sky’s the limit," Huni added, emphasizing that his marketability has risen despite the loss.
He also pointed out that watching Wardley’s subsequent rise to world champion gave him a roadmap 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 got that good shot in on me and that’s all it took. You just can’t switch off in heavyweight boxing, or in any division.
One punch can change everything," Huni warned, underscoring the razor‑thin margin for error at the top level. Beyond Huni, other heavyweight contenders are also eyeing the O2 as a potential stage for a marquee clash. British fighter Richard Riakporhe, known for his heavy‑handed style, suggested that a domestic title fight against Itauma could serve as a spectacular headliner for the London venue. When asked about the possibility of facing Itauma, Riakporhe replied to 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 in the division. "Moses Itauma is 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 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 potential match‑up between Huni and Itauma carries significant implications for the heavyweight landscape. Both fighters are on upward trajectories, with Huni seeking to rebound from a setback and Itauma looking to cement his status as a top‑ranked contender.
A bout at the O2 would not only draw a sizable live audience but also attract global streaming interest, especially as platforms like NOW offer contract‑free boxing streams. If the fight materialises, analysts expect a clash of contrasting styles. Itauma’s lightning‑quick hands and technical precision would test Huni’s resilience and power‑punching ability.
Conversely, Huni’s experience against seasoned British opponents and his demonstrated capacity to adapt mid‑fight could pose challenges for the younger Nigerian‑born heavyweight. The timing of the encounter remains uncertain. While Itauma’s July 25 date is set, the opponent’s slot is still open, leaving promoters and fans to speculate.
Should Huni secure the fight, it would likely be positioned as a co‑main or even main event, given the marketability of an Australian‑British showdown in a premier London arena. In the meantime, both fighters continue to train and fine‑tune their games. Huni has spoken about the importance of a full training camp, noting that his previous preparation was compromised. He is reportedly focusing on conditioning, defensive drills, and sharpening his jab to better control distance against a fast opponent like Itauma.
Itauma, meanwhile, is expected to stay active, possibly taking a tune‑up fight before his July 25 appearance to maintain sharpness. His camp is likely emphasizing speed work, footwork, and maintaining the hand‑speed that has become his signature. The heavyweight division is currently in a state of flux, with established champions and emerging challengers jostling for position. A Huni‑Itauma clash would add another compelling narrative, pitting an experienced Australian veteran against a rising star with a growing fan base.
Whether the fight happens this year or is deferred to a later date, both athletes have signalled their intent to meet, and the boxing world will be watching closely for the official announcement. As the calendar progresses, fans can anticipate further updates from promoters, as well as additional commentary from the fighters themselves. Until then, the prospect of a heavyweight showdown at the O2 remains a tantalising possibility that could shape the future of the division.