The Future for the Heavyweight Division After Wardley's Victory?

Fabio Wardley has catapulted himself into the world title picture after a stunning late-round knockout win against former champion Joseph Parker at the O2 Arena in London.

The remarkable win extended Wardley's unbeaten streak to 21 fights—20 victories and one 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 unbeaten undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk.

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

What other fights are happening? And what other bouts might be possible?

Will Usyk Fight Wardley?

Usyk once again dazzled when defeating Daniel Dubois by stoppage 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 begin negotiations for a defense against mandatory challenger Parker.

But the fighter suffered a back issue and was granted an extended period to negotiate with Parker's camp.

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 face his mandatory opponent, 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 stated after the fight.

Former cruiserweight champion Usyk may even decide to swerve Wardley.

If he does, the WBO could force him to vacate their belt 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 closing months of next year.

There is a UK heavyweight championship fight on November 29th when Frazer Clarke faces Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva at Derby's Vaillant Arena.

The fight was initially planned for October 25th before TKV picked up an injury.

The rescheduled event will be broadcast on BBC Two and iPlayer, marking the first event in a new partnership between the broadcaster and promotion company.

When Is Anthony Joshua's Next Bout?

The boxing world is waiting for news on a bout schedule for former champion Anthony Joshua.

Joshua has been absent since his brutal fifth-round loss at the hands of fellow Briton Dubois in autumn 2024.

The 36-year-old had elbow surgery in May and there have been murmurs about a possible date in December.

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

When Could Itauma Fight Next?

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 quick knockout 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 several top contenders.

His team explored a December bout, with Derek Chisora suggesting he would share a card on a December date 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 mandated to defend his title against Itauma on 14 October, but the veteran has revealed intentions to fight Russian Murat Gassiev on 12 December.

The mandate gives both camps 30 days to reach agreement.

Queensberry's Frank Warren, who promotes 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 Chisora, he appeared on stage at the O2 Arena alongside other heavyweight contenders before the main event.

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?

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

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 spoken of a desire to get in the ring with Joshua before claiming he's accomplished all his goals 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 veteran attended Wardley's victory against associate and sparring partner Parker—and that could have sparked his interest.

Crystal Mason
Crystal Mason

A passionate gamer and tech enthusiast with over a decade of experience in game journalism and community building.