🔗 Share this article What Lies Ahead for the Heavyweight Boxing Scene After Wardley's Big Win? The British boxer Fabio Wardley has thrust himself into the heavyweight title conversation after a shocking late-round knockout win against former champion Joseph Parker at the O2 Arena in London. The remarkable win extended Wardley's undefeated record to 21 fights—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? Is a Usyk-Wardley Bout Likely? 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 38-year-old to begin negotiations for a defense against mandatory challenger Parker. But the fighter suffered a back issue and was given additional time 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 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. 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 situation unfolds 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 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 faces Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva at Derby's Vaillant Arena. 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 the broadcaster and promotion company. When Is Anthony Joshua's Next Bout? The fight community anticipates updates on a bout schedule for former champion British star Anthony Joshua. Joshua has been absent since his brutal fifth-round loss at the hands of fellow Briton Dubois in September 2024. The veteran underwent elbow surgery in May 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 expressed desire to compete in Africa, but it is doubtful he'll appear on Matchroom's expected card in Ghana on 20 December. His aspiration to box in Africa may have to wait until February. What's Next for Moses Itauma? 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 quick knockout of Dillian Whyte in August, extending his unbeaten record to 13 victories with 11 stoppage wins. In the wake of that impressive victory, Itauma was connected to fights with several top contenders. Team Itauma were considering a fight in December, with veteran Chisora indicating they might appear together 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 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. Queensberry's 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 mentioned as a possible challenger for the unified champion, but the champion dismissed those speculations 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 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 always been challenging. The two-time heavyweight champion declared 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 interview on FurociTV, 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 could have sparked his interest.