🔗 Share this article What Lies Ahead for the Heavyweight Division After Wardley's Big Win? The British boxer Fabio Wardley has catapulted himself into the heavyweight title conversation after a shocking 11th-round stoppage win against former champion 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 notable 19 knockout wins. Wardley also took Parker's WBO 'interim' title and is now positioned for a life-changing opportunity against unbeaten 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 stopping Daniel Dubois to become a repeat undisputed heavyweight titleholder in July. 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 did not plan to step back into the ring in 2025. 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 was vocal about wanting to fight the titleholder next after his recent victory. "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 situation unfolds 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 scene has stalled. 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 rearranged card will be shown live 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 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 36-year-old had elbow surgery in spring and there have been rumors of a potential December return. Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn said it's "uncertain if he'll have a tune-up bout 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 the anticipated Ghana event on December 20th. His dream of fighting on the continent may have to wait until February. When Could Itauma Fight Next? Young prospect Moses Itauma is Britain's next great heavyweight hope—but the 20-year-old is yet to finalise his next contest. Itauma further enhanced his reputation with a first-round stoppage of Dillian Whyte in late summer, extending his perfect record to 13 wins with 11 stoppage wins. In the wake of that impressive victory, Itauma was connected to fights with Filip Hrgovic, Michael Hunter and domestic rival David Adeleye. His team explored a December bout, with Derek Chisora suggesting he would share a card on 13 December in Manchester. But that schedule is uncertain for the Chatham heavyweight, who is discovering the complexities of boxing negotiations. WBA 'regular' champion Kubrat Pulev was ordered to defend his belt 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 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 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". Has Tyson Fury Actually Retired? Forecasting Tyson Fury's future has never been easy. The former world champion declared his retirement in January after suffering a second defeat to Usyk a few weeks prior. Over the past nine months, Fury has hinted at returns then changed his mind. Fury has spoken of a desire to get in the ring with Joshua before claiming he's accomplished all his goals 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 friend and training partner Parker—and that might have whet his appetite.