🔗 Share this article What Lies Ahead for the Heavyweight Division After Wardley's Big Win? The British boxer Fabio Wardley has propelled himself into the world title picture after a shocking 11th-round stoppage win against Joseph Parker at London's O2 Arena. The remarkable win extended Wardley's unbeaten streak to 21 professional bouts—20 victories and one draw—with an impressive 19 stoppages. Wardley also captured Parker's interim WBO championship and is now positioned for a career-defining chance against unbeaten undisputed champion the Ukrainian champion Oleksandr Usyk. But is Wardley likely to face at the undefeated two-weight undisputed champion? Which bouts are scheduled? And what other bouts might be possible? Is a Usyk-Wardley Bout Likely? The champion impressed again when defeating Daniel Dubois by stoppage to become a repeat undisputed heavyweight titleholder in July. 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 Ukrainian sustained a back injury and was granted an extended period to begin talks with Parker's team. 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 negotiate with his mandatory challenger, but could do so soon following Wardley's victory. 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. The ex-cruiserweight titleholder may even decide to swerve Wardley. If he does, the organization might strip him of the title and upgrade Wardley to champion. If that scenario plays out then ex-IBF titleholder Dubois could emerge as a potential opponent for Wardley. What Fights Do We Know Are Happening? With the champion still deciding his next fight, 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 and Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva meet at Derby's Vaillant Arena. The fight was initially planned for October 25th 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 Is Anthony Joshua's Next Bout? The fight community anticipates updates on a bout schedule for former champion Anthony Joshua. Joshua has not fought since his devastating fifth-round knockout defeat at the hands of fellow Briton Dubois in September 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 "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 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 20 December. His aspiration to box in Africa may have to be postponed until early next year. What's Next for Moses Itauma? Rising star Moses Itauma is the UK's promising heavyweight talent—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 stoppage wins. In the wake of that impressive victory, Itauma was linked with bouts against several top contenders. Team Itauma were considering a fight in December, with Derek Chisora suggesting he would share a card on a December date in Manchester. But that date is now in doubt 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 14 October, but the 44 year-old has announced plans to fight opponent Murat Gassiev on December 12th. 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 suggested as a potential opponent for undisputed champion Usyk, but the champion dismissed those speculations earlier this month. As for Chisora, he was present at the O2 Arena alongside other heavyweight contenders 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". Is Fury Really Retired? Predicting what happens next for Tyson Fury has always been challenging. The former world champion declared his retirement in winter after losing against Usyk for a second time 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 claiming he's accomplished all his goals and is happy to stay on the other side of the ropes. 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.