Moses Itauma has already locked in the date and location for his next bout – July 25 at London’s iconic O2 Arena – but the opponent’s identity remains to be confirmed. Among the fighters eager to step into the ring with him is Australian heavyweight prospect Justis Huni. Fresh off a convincing points win over fellow Brit Frazer Clarke, Huni is confident that a showdown with Itauma is inevitable.
"One hundred percent," Huni told Sky Sports. "I have a strong feeling we’ll cross paths at some point down the line." Itauma’s recent performance has only heightened interest. In his latest fight he dismantled Jermaine Franklin with a ruthless display of power and precision, showcasing a rare blend of blistering hand speed for a heavyweight and relentless aggression.
Those attributes have put him on the radar of many in the division, including Huni, who wondered whether he could match Itauma’s quickness. "Only time will tell," Huni said, adding, "We’ll meet somewhere down the line." Huni’s own journey has been a story of resilience.
After a late‑stage stoppage loss to Fabio Wardley – the fight that propelled Wardley to the WBO heavyweight crown – Huni has been rebuilding his confidence and skill set. He reflected on the Wardley fight, noting that he accepted the challenge on short notice and gave his best despite not being at peak condition. "It was a good test for me," Huni explained.
"I went in with limited preparation, but I still managed to put in a solid performance. Even though I was stopped late, it felt like a win‑win because I learned a lot." He admitted that the lack of a full training camp left him far from his best, yet he believes his marketability has risen.
"My stock has gone up," he said. "Look at what Fabio has achieved – he’s now a world champion.
Watching that fight, I identified areas to improve and have been working on them ever since." Huni emphasized the unforgiving nature of heavyweight boxing, where a single punch can end a contest. "You can’t afford to switch off at any moment, in any weight class.
One clean shot and everything changes," he warned. Beyond Huni, other potential match‑ups are being discussed. British contender Richard Riakporhe, known for his hard‑hitting style, could provide a spectacular headline for the O2.
When asked about a possible future bout with Itauma, Riakporhe told Sky Sports, "Anything is possible – we just have to wait and see what opportunities arise. Who knows?
Our paths might cross in the future." Riakporhe also commented on Itauma’s current standing in the heavyweight landscape. "Moses is in an excellent position right now. He’s ranked very high, and there’s talk of pushing him toward a world‑title shot," Riakporhe observed.
"Everyone seems to be on a different trajectory, but his hype is massive and the strategic guidance he’s receiving is aimed at getting him to the top. That’s great for his career." The heavyweight division is buzzing with speculation as promoters and fighters map out potential clashes. Itauma’s speed, power, and rising profile make him an attractive opponent for both seasoned veterans and hungry up‑and‑comers. Huni, eager to prove himself after his setback, sees a fight with Itauma as a chance to re‑establish himself among the elite.
Meanwhile, Riakporhe’s willingness to entertain a bout adds another layer of intrigue, especially given his own ambitions to break into the global spotlight. If a Huni‑Itauma showdown materializes, it would likely be a clash of contrasting styles: Huni’s disciplined, technically sound approach versus Itauma’s explosive hand speed and raw power. Such a fight could serve as a pivotal moment for both athletes, offering Huni a pathway back to title contention and giving Itauma a chance to test his mettle against a proven contender. The O2 Arena, with its storied history of hosting marquee boxing events, would provide an electric backdrop for any of these potential match‑ups.
Fans can anticipate a night of high‑octane action, whether the main event features Huni, Riakporhe, or another heavyweight stepping up to challenge Itauma. As the July 25 date approaches, the boxing world will be watching closely for official announcements, training camp updates, and any surprise developments that could reshape the heavyweight hierarchy.