🔗 Share this article What Lies Ahead for the Heavyweight Division After Wardley's Big Win? The British boxer Fabio Wardley has propelled himself into the heavyweight title conversation after a stunning late-round knockout win against Joseph Parker at London's O2 Arena. This impressive victory extended Wardley's unbeaten streak to 21 fights—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 undefeated 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 matchups could materialize? Is a Usyk-Wardley Bout Likely? Usyk once again dazzled when defeating Daniel Dubois by stoppage to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion in July. Just five days after that victory, the World Boxing Organization mandated the 38-year-old 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 begin talks with Parker's team. The champion stated recently he planned to continue boxing for two more years but did not plan to step back into the ring in 2025. The WBO has not made a fresh call for Usyk to negotiate with his mandatory challenger, but might act shortly 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 stated after the fight. Former cruiserweight champion Usyk may even choose to avoid Wardley. If he does, the organization might strip him of the title and upgrade Wardley to champion. If that situation unfolds then former IBF champion Dubois could become a possible contender for Wardley. Which Bouts Are Confirmed? With Usyk yet to make his next move, the heavyweight scene has stalled. There are no world-level fights on the agenda in the final two months of 2025. There is a UK heavyweight championship fight on November 29th when Frazer Clarke and Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva meet at Derby's Vaillant Arena. The bout was originally scheduled for October 25th before TKV picked up an injury. The rescheduled event will be broadcast on television and streaming platforms, marking the first event in a new partnership between the broadcaster and promotion company. When Will Joshua Fight Next? The fight community anticipates updates on a fight date for two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua. Joshua has been absent since his brutal fifth-round loss at the hands of fellow Briton Dubois in autumn 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 hinted Joshua could be added to a card 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 20 December. His dream of fighting on the continent may have to be postponed until early next year. What's Next for Moses Itauma? Young prospect 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 perfect record to 13 wins with 11 knockouts. In the aftermath of that stunning win, Itauma was connected to fights with Filip Hrgovic, Michael Hunter and domestic rival David Adeleye. His team explored a December bout, with veteran Chisora indicating they might appear together 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 Russian Murat Gassiev on 12 December. The mandate gives both camps 30 days to reach agreement. Promoter Frank Warren, who promotes Itauma, told BBC Sport 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 was present at the O2 Arena alongside other heavyweight contenders before Wardley's win over Parker. Speaking about future bouts and a potential trilogy fight, Chisora said "yes, if the contract is right", before adding that it will "100% happen in December". Is Fury Really Retired? Forecasting Tyson Fury's future 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 hinted at returns then changed his mind. Fury has spoken of a desire to get in the ring with Joshua before stating he has achieved everything he wanted to and is content to remain outside the ring. 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 associate and sparring partner Parker—and that could have sparked his interest.