What Lies Ahead for the Heavyweight Boxing Scene After Wardley's Big Win?

The British boxer Fabio Wardley has propelled himself into the world title picture after a shocking late-round knockout win against Joseph Parker at London's O2 Arena.

This impressive victory extended Wardley's unbeaten streak to 21 professional bouts—20 wins and a draw—with an impressive 19 stoppages.

Wardley also claimed Parker's interim WBO championship and is now positioned for a life-changing opportunity against unbeaten unified titleholder the Ukrainian champion Oleksandr Usyk.

But is Wardley likely to face at the undefeated two-weight undisputed champion?

Which bouts are scheduled? And what other bouts might be possible?

Will Usyk Fight Wardley?

Usyk once again dazzled when defeating Daniel Dubois by stoppage to become a repeat undisputed heavyweight titleholder in the summer.

Shortly after that win, the WBO ordered the veteran fighter to begin negotiations for a title defense against his mandatory opponent Parker.

But the fighter suffered a back issue and was given additional time to begin talks with Parker's team.

The champion stated recently he planned to continue boxing for two more years but had no intention of fighting next year.

The WBO has not made a fresh call for Usyk to face his mandatory opponent, but might act shortly following Wardley's win.

Wardley made no secret of his desire to face the champion next after his latest win.

"I have one thing to say - Usyk, Usyk," he said in his post-fight interview.

The ex-cruiserweight titleholder may even choose to avoid Wardley.

If he does, the WBO could force him to vacate their belt and elevate Wardley to champion status.

If that scenario plays out then ex-IBF titleholder Dubois could become a possible contender for Wardley.

Which Bouts Are Confirmed?

With Usyk yet to make his next move, the heavyweight division has been on pause.

There are no world-level fights on the agenda in the closing months of next year.

There is a British heavyweight title contest on 29 November when Frazer Clarke and Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva meet at Derby's Vaillant Arena.

The fight was initially planned for October 25th before TKV picked up an injury.

The rearranged card will be shown live on BBC Two and iPlayer, marking the inaugural show in a fresh collaboration between the broadcaster and promotion company.

When Is Anthony Joshua's Next Bout?

The fight community anticipates updates on a fight date for two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua.

Joshua has not fought since his devastating fifth-round knockout defeat at the hands of fellow Briton Dubois in September 2024.

The veteran underwent elbow surgery in May and there have been rumors of a potential December return.

Promoter Eddie Hearn said it's "uncertain if he'll have a tune-up bout this year", but also hinted Joshua could be added to a card in California on 13 December or possibly to an event in Saudi Arabia on 27 December.

"It might not even be something we announce weeks and weeks before because that defeats the object," the promoter stated to media.

"He is in the gym and he is staying ready so we could say 'you're out in two weeks in an eight-rounder'."

Joshua has made clear his intention to fight in Africa, but it is doubtful he'll appear on Matchroom's expected card in Ghana on December 20th.

His dream of fighting on the continent may have to be postponed until early next year.

When Could Itauma Fight Next?

Rising star Moses Itauma is the UK's promising heavyweight talent—but the 20-year-old is yet to finalise his next contest.

Itauma further enhanced his reputation with a quick knockout of Dillian Whyte in August, extending his unbeaten record to 13 victories with 11 knockouts.

In the aftermath of that stunning win, Itauma was linked with bouts against several top contenders.

His team explored a December bout, with Derek Chisora suggesting he would share a card on a December date in Manchester.

But that date is now in doubt for the fighter from Chatham, who is learning the hard way about boxing politics.

WBA 'regular' champion Kubrat Pulev was mandated to defend his title against Itauma on October 14th, but the 44 year-old has announced plans to fight opponent Murat Gassiev on 12 December.

The WBA order means both sides have 30 days to negotiate a deal.

Promoter Frank Warren, who represents Itauma, told media outlets that "Pulev has to fight Moses next with London and Manchester possible host cities".

Itauma has also been suggested as a potential opponent for undisputed champion Usyk, but the Ukrainian downplayed those rumours earlier this month.

As for the veteran Chisora, he appeared on stage at the O2 Arena alongside other heavyweight contenders before Wardley's win over Parker.

Speaking about potential fights and asked if we could see Chisora and Whyte meet for a third time, Chisora said "yes, if the contract is right", before adding that it will "100% happen in December".

Is Fury Really Retired?

Predicting what happens next for Tyson Fury has always been challenging.

The former world champion announced his retirement in winter after losing against Usyk for a second time a few weeks prior.

Over the recent months, Fury has teased comebacks and then subsequently backtracked.

Fury has expressed interest in fighting Joshua before claiming he's accomplished all his goals and is happy to stay on the other side of the ropes.

During a recent interview on FurociTV, Fury said there was "no actual reason for me to go back in the boxing ring".

But the 37-year-old was ringside to watch Wardley's win against friend and training partner Parker—and that might have whet his appetite.