The Future for the Heavyweight Boxing Scene After Wardley's Victory?

Fabio Wardley has thrust himself into the world title picture after a shocking 11th-round stoppage win against former champion Joseph Parker at London's O2 Arena.

The remarkable win extended Wardley's undefeated record 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 undisputed champion the Ukrainian champion Oleksandr Usyk.

But will Wardley get his shot at the reigning two-division champion?

What other fights are happening? And what matchups could materialize?

Will Usyk Fight Wardley?

Usyk once again dazzled when stopping Daniel Dubois to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion in the summer.

Just five days after that victory, the World Boxing Organization mandated the veteran fighter to start talks 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.

Usyk said earlier this month he wanted to fight for another two years but had no intention of fighting next year.

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

Wardley made no secret of his desire to face the champion next after his recent victory.

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

The ex-cruiserweight titleholder may even decide to swerve 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.

What Fights Do We Know Are Happening?

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 and Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva meet at Derby's Vaillant Arena.

The bout was originally scheduled for 25 October 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 BBC Sport and Boxxer.

When Is Anthony Joshua's Next Bout?

The boxing world is waiting for news on a bout schedule for former champion British star 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 spring and there have been murmurs about a possible date in December.

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 show in the Middle East late 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 expressed desire to compete in Africa, but it is doubtful he'll appear on Matchroom's expected card in Ghana on 20 December.

His aspiration to box in Africa may have to wait until February.

What's Next for Moses Itauma?

Young prospect Moses Itauma is Britain's next great heavyweight hope—but the young fighter hasn't confirmed his next bout.

Itauma further enhanced his reputation with a quick knockout of Dillian Whyte in late summer, 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 veteran Chisora indicating they might appear together on a December date in Manchester.

But that schedule is uncertain for the fighter from Chatham, who is discovering the complexities of boxing negotiations.

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

The mandate gives both camps 30 days to reach agreement.

Queensberry's 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 champion dismissed those speculations 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".

Has Tyson Fury Actually Retired?

Predicting what happens next for Tyson Fury has never been easy.

The former world champion declared his retirement in January after suffering a second defeat to Usyk a month earlier.

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

Misty Weaver
Misty Weaver

Renewable energy expert and solar technology analyst with over a decade of experience in sustainable energy solutions.