🔗 Share this article The Future for the Heavyweight Boxing Scene After Wardley's Big Win? The British boxer Fabio Wardley has catapulted himself into the heavyweight title conversation after a surprising late-round knockout win against former champion Joseph Parker at the O2 Arena in London. This impressive victory extended Wardley's unbeaten streak to 21 professional bouts—20 wins and a draw—with an impressive 19 stoppages. Wardley also took Parker's interim WBO championship and is now in line for a life-changing opportunity against undefeated unified titleholder Oleksandr Usyk. But is Wardley likely to face at the reigning two-division champion? Which bouts are scheduled? And what other bouts might be possible? Will Usyk Fight Wardley? The champion impressed again when stopping Daniel Dubois to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion in the summer. Shortly after that win, the WBO ordered the veteran fighter to start talks for a defense against mandatory challenger Parker. But the Ukrainian sustained a back injury and was granted an extended period to begin talks with Parker's team. Usyk said earlier this month he planned to continue boxing for two more years but did not plan to step back into the ring in 2025. The governing body hasn't issued a new order for Usyk to negotiate with his mandatory challenger, but could do so soon following Wardley's win. Wardley was vocal about wanting to face the champion 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 ex-IBF titleholder Dubois could emerge as a potential opponent for Wardley. Which Bouts Are Confirmed? With the champion still deciding his next fight, the heavyweight division has been on pause. There are no major championship bouts scheduled in the final two months of 2025. There is a British heavyweight title contest on 29 November when Frazer Clarke faces Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva at the Vaillant Arena in Derby. The fight was initially planned for 25 October before TKV picked up an injury. The rescheduled event will be broadcast on television and streaming platforms, 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 not fought since his devastating fifth-round knockout defeat at the hands of fellow Briton Dubois in autumn 2024. The veteran underwent elbow surgery in spring and there have been rumors of a potential December return. Matchroom 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 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 unlikely he will feature on Matchroom's expected card in Ghana on 20 December. His aspiration to box in Africa may have to wait until February. When Could Itauma Fight Next? 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 knockouts. In the aftermath of that stunning win, Itauma was linked with bouts against several top contenders. His team explored a December bout, with veteran Chisora indicating they might appear together on 13 December in Manchester. But that schedule is uncertain for the fighter from Chatham, who is learning the hard way about boxing politics. WBA 'regular' champion Kubrat Pulev was ordered to defend his belt against Itauma on October 14th, but the veteran has revealed intentions to fight opponent Murat Gassiev on December 12th. The WBA order means both sides have 30 days to negotiate a deal. 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 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? Forecasting Tyson Fury's future has always been challenging. The two-time heavyweight champion announced his retirement in winter after suffering a second defeat to Usyk a few weeks prior. Over the past nine 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 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.