🔗 Share this article What Lies Ahead for the Heavyweight Division After Wardley's Victory? The British boxer Fabio Wardley has catapulted himself into the world title picture after a surprising 11th-round stoppage win against Joseph Parker at London's O2 Arena. The remarkable win extended Wardley's unbeaten streak to 21 fights—20 wins and a 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 undefeated 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? Will Usyk Fight Wardley? The champion impressed again when stopping Daniel Dubois to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion in the summer. Just five days after that victory, the WBO ordered the veteran fighter to start talks 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 wanted to fight for another two years but had no intention of fighting next year. The governing body hasn't issued a new order for Usyk to face his mandatory opponent, but could do so soon following Wardley's victory. Wardley was vocal about wanting to fight the titleholder next after his recent victory. "I have one thing to say - Usyk, Usyk," he said in his post-fight interview. 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 situation unfolds then former IBF champion Dubois could emerge as a potential opponent for Wardley. Which Bouts Are Confirmed? With Usyk yet to make his next move, the heavyweight scene has stalled. There are no world-level fights on the agenda in the final two months of 2025. 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 25 October before Tshikeva suffered an injury. The rescheduled event will be broadcast on BBC Two and iPlayer, marking the inaugural show in a fresh collaboration between the broadcaster and promotion company. 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 September 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 "50-50 he will return for a warm-up fight this year", but also suggested Joshua might appear on an event 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 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 wait until February. What's Next for Moses Itauma? Young prospect 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 first-round stoppage of Dillian Whyte in August, 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 veteran Chisora indicating they might appear together on a December date in Manchester. But that date is now in doubt for the Chatham heavyweight, who is learning the hard way about boxing politics. Titleholder Kubrat Pulev was ordered to defend his belt against Itauma on October 14th, but the veteran has revealed intentions to fight Russian Murat Gassiev on December 12th. The WBA order means both sides have 30 days to negotiate a deal. Promoter 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 the veteran 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". 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 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 could have sparked his interest.