What's Next for the Heavyweight Division After Wardley's Big Win?
The British boxer Fabio Wardley has propelled himself into the heavyweight title conversation after a stunning 11th-round stoppage win against former champion Joseph Parker at London's O2 Arena.
This impressive victory extended Wardley's unbeaten streak 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 undefeated unified titleholder Oleksandr Usyk.
But is Wardley likely to face at the reigning two-division champion?
Which bouts are scheduled? And what matchups could materialize?
Is a Usyk-Wardley Bout Likely?
The champion impressed again when stopping Daniel Dubois to become a repeat undisputed heavyweight titleholder 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 Ukrainian sustained a back injury and was granted an extended period to negotiate with Parker's camp.
The champion stated recently he planned to continue boxing for two more years but had no intention of fighting next year.
The governing body hasn't issued a new order 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 choose to avoid Wardley.
If he does, the organization might strip him of the title and elevate Wardley to champion status.
If that scenario plays out then former IBF champion Dubois could become a possible contender for Wardley.
What Fights Do We Know Are Happening?
With Usyk yet to make his next move, the heavyweight division has been on pause.
There are no world-level fights on the agenda in the final two months of 2025.
There is a UK heavyweight championship fight on 29 November when Frazer Clarke and Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva meet at Derby's Vaillant Arena.
The bout was originally scheduled for October 25th before TKV picked up an injury.
The rescheduled event will be broadcast on BBC Two and iPlayer, marking the inaugural show in a fresh collaboration between BBC Sport and Boxxer.
When Is Anthony Joshua's Next Bout?
The fight community anticipates updates 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 September 2024.
The 36-year-old had elbow surgery in spring 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 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," 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 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.
When Could Itauma Fight Next?
Rising star Moses Itauma is Britain's next great heavyweight hope—but the young fighter hasn't confirmed his next bout.
Itauma further enhanced his reputation with a first-round stoppage of Dillian Whyte in August, extending his unbeaten record to 13 victories with 11 knockouts.
In the aftermath of that stunning win, 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 13 December in Manchester.
But that date is now in doubt for the Chatham heavyweight, who is discovering the complexities of boxing negotiations.
Titleholder Kubrat Pulev was mandated to defend his title against Itauma on 14 October, but the veteran has revealed intentions 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 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 Ukrainian downplayed those rumours earlier this month.
As for Chisora, he was present 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".
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 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 veteran attended Wardley's victory against friend and training partner Parker—and that could have sparked his interest.