What Lies Ahead for the Heavyweight Division After Wardley's Victory?

The British boxer Fabio Wardley has catapulted himself into the world title picture after a shocking 11th-round stoppage win against former champion Joseph Parker at the O2 Arena in London.

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

Wardley also claimed Parker's WBO 'interim' title and is now positioned for a life-changing opportunity against undefeated undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk.

But will Wardley get his shot at the undefeated two-weight undisputed champion?

Which bouts are scheduled? And what other bouts might be possible?

Is a Usyk-Wardley Bout Likely?

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

Shortly after that win, the World Boxing Organization mandated the veteran fighter to start talks for a defense against mandatory challenger Parker.

But the Ukrainian sustained a back injury 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 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 could do so soon 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 choose to avoid Wardley.

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

If that scenario plays out 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 division has been on pause.

There are no major championship bouts scheduled in the closing months of next year.

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 Tshikeva suffered 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 Is Anthony Joshua's Next Bout?

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 compatriot Daniel Dubois in September 2024.

The veteran underwent elbow surgery in May and there have been murmurs about a possible date in December.

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," Hearn told Ring Magazine.

"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 doubtful he'll appear on the anticipated Ghana event on December 20th.

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

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 boosted his standing with a first-round stoppage of Dillian Whyte in late summer, extending his perfect record to 13 wins with 11 knockouts.

In the aftermath of that stunning win, Itauma was linked with bouts against 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 date is now in doubt for the fighter from Chatham, who is learning the hard way about boxing politics.

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

The WBA order means both sides have 30 days to negotiate a deal.

Queensberry's 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 champion dismissed those speculations earlier this month.

As for Chisora, he was present at the O2 Arena alongside fellow British heavyweight Whyte and American Jarrell Miller before the main event.

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 two-time heavyweight champion declared his retirement in winter 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 expressed interest in fighting Joshua before claiming he's accomplished all his goals 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 veteran attended Wardley's victory against associate and sparring partner Parker—and that might have whet his appetite.