🔗 Share this article What Lies Ahead for the Heavyweight Boxing Scene After Wardley's Big Win? The British boxer Fabio Wardley has catapulted himself into the heavyweight title conversation 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 notable 19 knockout wins. Wardley also claimed Parker's WBO 'interim' title and is now positioned for a life-changing opportunity against unbeaten unified titleholder the Ukrainian champion Oleksandr Usyk. But is Wardley likely to face at the reigning two-division champion? What other fights are happening? And what matchups could materialize? Will Usyk Fight Wardley? Usyk once again dazzled when defeating Daniel Dubois by stoppage to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion 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 fighter suffered a back issue 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 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 might act shortly 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. Former cruiserweight champion Usyk may even decide to swerve Wardley. If he does, the WBO could force him to vacate their belt and elevate Wardley to champion status. If that scenario plays out then former IBF champion 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 closing months of next year. There is a British heavyweight title contest on 29 November when Frazer Clarke faces Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva at Derby's Vaillant Arena. The fight was initially planned for October 25th before Tshikeva suffered an injury. The rearranged card will be shown live 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 not fought since his devastating fifth-round knockout defeat at the hands of fellow Briton Dubois in autumn 2024. The 36-year-old had elbow surgery in spring and there have been rumors of a potential December return. 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 December 20th. His dream of fighting on the continent 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 perfect record to 13 wins with 11 stoppage wins. In the aftermath of that stunning win, Itauma was linked with bouts against 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 date is now in doubt for the fighter from Chatham, who is learning the hard way about boxing politics. WBA 'regular' champion Kubrat Pulev was ordered to defend his belt against Itauma on October 14th, but the 44 year-old has announced plans to fight Russian Murat Gassiev on 12 December. The WBA order means both sides have 30 days to negotiate a deal. Promoter 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 suggested as a potential opponent for undisputed champion Usyk, but the champion dismissed those speculations earlier this month. As for the veteran Chisora, he was present at the O2 Arena alongside other heavyweight contenders 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". Is Fury Really Retired? Forecasting Tyson Fury's future has never been easy. The two-time heavyweight champion announced his retirement in winter after suffering a second defeat to Usyk a few weeks prior. 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 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 37-year-old was ringside to watch Wardley's win against associate and sparring partner Parker—and that could have sparked his interest.