🔗 Share this article What Lies Ahead for the Heavyweight Division After Wardley's Victory? Fabio Wardley has thrust himself into the world title picture after a shocking 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 claimed Parker's WBO 'interim' title and is now in line for a life-changing opportunity against unbeaten undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk. But will Wardley get his shot at the reigning two-division champion? Which bouts are scheduled? And what other bouts might be possible? Will Usyk Fight Wardley? Usyk once again dazzled when defeating Daniel Dubois by stoppage to become a repeat undisputed heavyweight titleholder in the summer. 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 granted an extended period to negotiate with Parker's camp. Usyk said earlier this month he planned to continue boxing for two more years but had no intention of fighting next year. 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 made no secret of his desire 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 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 UK heavyweight championship fight on November 29th when Frazer Clarke and Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva meet at the Vaillant Arena in Derby. The bout was originally scheduled for October 25th before Tshikeva suffered an injury. The rearranged card will be shown live on BBC Two and iPlayer, marking the inaugural show in a fresh collaboration between BBC Sport and Boxxer. 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 compatriot Daniel 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 "uncertain if he'll have a tune-up bout this year", but also hinted Joshua could be added to a card in the West Coast in 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," 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 expressed desire to compete in Africa, but it is doubtful he'll appear on the anticipated Ghana event on 20 December. His dream of fighting on the continent may have to wait until February. What's Next for Moses Itauma? Rising star 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 unbeaten record to 13 victories with 11 knockouts. 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 veteran Chisora indicating they might appear together on 13 December in Manchester. But that schedule is uncertain for the Chatham heavyweight, who is learning the hard way about boxing politics. WBA 'regular' champion Kubrat Pulev was ordered to defend his belt against Itauma on 14 October, but the veteran has revealed intentions to fight opponent Murat Gassiev on 12 December. The mandate gives both camps 30 days to reach agreement. Promoter Frank Warren, who represents 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". Has Tyson Fury Actually Retired? Forecasting Tyson Fury's future has always been challenging. The former world champion announced his retirement in January after suffering a second defeat to Usyk a month earlier. Over the past nine months, Fury has teased comebacks and then subsequently backtracked. Fury has expressed interest in fighting Joshua before stating he has achieved everything he wanted to and is content to remain outside the ring. 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.