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 11th-round stoppage win against Joseph Parker at London's O2 Arena.

This impressive victory extended Wardley's undefeated record to 21 fights—20 wins and a draw—with an notable 19 knockout wins.

Wardley also took Parker's WBO 'interim' title and is now positioned for a career-defining chance against undefeated undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk.

But is Wardley likely to face at the reigning two-division champion?

What other fights are happening? And what other bouts might be possible?

Will Usyk Fight Wardley?

The champion impressed again when defeating Daniel Dubois by stoppage to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion 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 Ukrainian sustained a back injury and was given additional time to negotiate with Parker's camp.

Usyk said earlier this month 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 could do so soon following Wardley's victory.

Wardley made no secret of his desire to fight the titleholder next after his latest win.

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

Former cruiserweight champion Usyk may even decide to swerve Wardley.

If he does, the organization might strip him of the title and upgrade Wardley to champion.

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

What Fights Do We Know Are Happening?

With the champion still deciding his next fight, the heavyweight scene has stalled.

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

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

The bout was originally scheduled for 25 October before Tshikeva suffered 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 Will Joshua Fight Next?

The boxing world is waiting for news on a fight date for two-time heavyweight champion British star Anthony Joshua.

Joshua has been absent since his brutal fifth-round loss at the hands of compatriot Daniel Dubois in September 2024.

The 36-year-old had elbow surgery in May and there have been rumors of a potential December return.

Promoter Eddie Hearn said it's "50-50 he will return for a warm-up fight this year", but also suggested Joshua might appear on an event in the West Coast in 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 unlikely he will feature on Matchroom's expected card in Ghana on December 20th.

His aspiration to box in Africa may have to be postponed until early next year.

What's Next for Moses Itauma?

Rising star Moses Itauma is the UK's promising heavyweight talent—but the young fighter hasn't confirmed his next bout.

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

In the wake of that impressive victory, Itauma was connected to fights with 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 schedule is uncertain for the Chatham heavyweight, who is learning the hard way about boxing politics.

Titleholder Kubrat Pulev was mandated to defend his title against Itauma on October 14th, but the veteran has revealed intentions to fight Russian Murat Gassiev on December 12th.

The mandate gives both camps 30 days to reach agreement.

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

Itauma has also been mentioned as a possible challenger for the unified champion, but the Ukrainian downplayed those rumours earlier this month.

As for Chisora, he appeared on stage at the O2 Arena alongside fellow British heavyweight Whyte and American Jarrell Miller 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 never been easy.

The former world champion announced his retirement in January 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 spoken of a desire to get in the ring with Joshua before stating he has achieved everything he wanted to and is happy to stay on the other side of the ropes.

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

But the veteran attended Wardley's victory against friend and training partner Parker—and that might have whet his appetite.