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Does surprise package Huni offer pitfalls for fast-rising Itauma?
Moses Itauma has his eyes on the stars - and at the rate he is turning over the rest of the division, who can blame him too?
Twenty-one and with plenty of road left to run, the thought that the British star might only get better is a frightening notion.
At least, to some it is. While promoter Frank Warren has suggested several foes have chafed at his charge, many have not.
Justis Huni is no stranger to the odds being stacked against him. After all, he nearly became interim world champion last year.
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The Australian's late loss to now-incumbent WBO kingpin Fabio Wardley is one of those great what-might-have-been beats.
But the star won't rest on the past. Instead, he has his eyes on the future - and this week, predicted Itauma may figure into it.
Now, as the latter eyes an anitcipated July return, DAZN News asks: could Huni could prove to be a major pitfall in his rise?
What has Huni said about facing Itauma?
Having dispatched Frazer Clarke to get back on the winning track earlier this month, Huni has been asked on his next moves.
Naturally, the subject of Itauma crossed the conversation, with the Queenslander "100 percent" sure they will fight at some point.
"I feel like we're going to meet somewhere along the line," he told Sky Sports News. "Time will tell. We'll meet down the line."
Huni's conviction comes with the knowledge of a man who has revived his prospects of a potential title bid in 2026 and beyond.
Just when that will be for the Brisbane-born star remains to be seen - but could he end up in the mix for Itauma's next fight?
Could Itauma face Huni next?
The difficulty of selecting the right foe for Itauma - a superstar-in-waiting, but not yet with the belts to annoint him - is a tough task.
Queensberry Promotions boss Warren has alluded to the fact several candidates have wanted eye-watering paydays to face him.
It speaks both to the sense many see Itauma still as a relative junior, but also the knowledge a loss to him can hurt their own credit.
Queensberry/Leigh Dawney
Dillian Whyte lasted less than a round against him in August last year. Jermaine Franklin, in his last bout, struggled to get out of gear.
Huni does not appear to fear those notions though. He famously took his fight with Wardley in Ipswich last summer on short notice.
There will be other candidates of course, and Warren and Itauma's team may have their preference. But in Huni, they have a live option.
Is Huni a pitfall for Itauma's rise?
Few opponents have looked comfortable against Itauma thus far. Even foes picked to specifically test him have been blown away fast.
At the same time, it has been notable that he has not faced a major fighter in his past four or five bouts with less than a decade on him.
Franklin, Whyte, Mike Balogun, Demsey McKean, Mariusz Wach. All have brought experience to bear - but arguably, tired bodies too.
Twenty-seven years old, Huni is on the fresher side of the equation. He still has the speed that comes with youth, the flash of his fists.
Leigh Dawney/Queensberry
Itauma's technical proficiency is terrific, of course. There are few doubts there about his ability to close off an opponent and punish them.
But Huni would represent a more slippery fish than he is used to - and exactly the kind of opponent that, in theory, should push his ring IQ.
That might be just the ticket for Itauma and Warren - and at the same time, Huni would surely jump at the opportunity to face him too.
There's plenty of moving cogs to be sorted for both men. But the way things stand, don't be too surprised if Huni's prediction comes true sooner rather than later.
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