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 being floated, Australian heavyweight prospect Justis Huni has stepped forward, signalling his willingness to take on the British contender. Huni, who recently earned a convincing points decision over fellow Brit Frazer Clarke, believes a showdown with Itauma is inevitable. "One hundred percent," Huni told Sky Sports.
"I have a strong feeling that our paths will cross at some point down the line." Itauma’s latest performance underscored why he is being fast‑tracked toward bigger challenges. In a dominant display he stopped Jermaine Franklin, showcasing a blend of power and speed that is rare for a heavyweight. His hand speed, in particular, has drawn praise from pundits who note how quickly he can unleash crisp, accurate punches. Huni, meanwhile, has been reflecting on his own recent journey.
After a disappointing late‑round stoppage loss to Fabio Wardley – the man who later claimed the WBO heavyweight crown – the Australian has been rebuilding his confidence and sharpening his skills. He acknowledges the setback but emphasizes the lessons learned. "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," Huni explained. "I wasn’t at my best, I didn’t have a full training camp, but the sky’s the limit for what I can achieve now." He added that watching Wardley’s rise to world champion has motivated him to address the gaps in his own game.
"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 conversation about a potential Huni‑Itauma clash also brings another name into the mix: British contender Richard Riakporhe.
Known for his heavy‑handed style, Riakporhe has hinted that a fight with Itauma could make a spectacular headline for an O2 event. When asked about the possibility, 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." He also weighed in on Itauma’s current standing in the division. "Moses 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 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 heavyweight landscape is shifting rapidly.
After Wardley’s ascent, the division now features a mix of seasoned veterans and hungry youngsters all vying for a shot at the title. Huni’s recent victory over Clarke, a technically sound boxer, demonstrates that the Australian can adapt his style and box intelligently, not just rely on raw power. His ability to move the jab and maintain distance could pose a unique problem for Itauma, whose aggressive style often seeks to close the gap quickly. If a Huni‑Itauma fight materialises, several factors will shape the narrative.
First, the contrast in experience: Itauma has already faced a range of opponents, including the seasoned Jermaine Franklin, while Huni is still building a résumé of high‑profile fights. Second, the stylistic matchup – Itauma’s explosive hand speed versus Huni’s disciplined footwork and counter‑punching – could produce a tactical chess match inside the ring. Moreover, the venue adds an extra layer of intrigue.
The O2 Arena, with its capacity to host thousands of enthusiastic fans, provides a grand stage that could elevate the bout to a marquee event, potentially attracting global broadcast interest. Both fighters have expressed a desire to perform on big stages, and a July 25 date gives them ample time to fine‑tune their preparations. From a promotional standpoint, pairing an Australian challenger with a British rising star could tap into cross‑market appeal, drawing viewers from both continents.
The narrative of a young heavyweight from Down Under seeking to dethrone a UK‑based prospect aligns well with classic boxing storylines of underdogs and emerging talents. In the meantime, both fighters continue to train intensively. Huni has reportedly added more strength‑and‑conditioning work to his regimen, focusing on stamina to ensure he can maintain a high output throughout twelve rounds. He’s also sparring with taller, longer‑reach partners to simulate Itauma’s style.
Itauma, on the other hand, is sharpening his defensive reflexes, aware that Huni’s jab can be a disruptive factor. The boxing community remains eager for confirmation. While promoters and matchmakers negotiate the finer details – purse splits, broadcast rights, and undercard selections – the consensus among analysts is that a Huni‑Itauma encounter would be a compelling addition to the heavyweight calendar.
Until an official announcement is made, fans can anticipate further interviews, training footage, and perhaps a press conference where both athletes will lay out their visions for the fight. The anticipation builds on the premise that, as Huni himself affirmed, "We’ll meet somewhere down the line."