🔗 Share this article What Lies Ahead for the Heavyweight Division After Wardley's Victory? Fabio Wardley has thrust himself into the heavyweight title conversation after a shocking 11th-round stoppage win against former champion Joseph Parker at London's O2 Arena. This impressive victory extended Wardley's undefeated record to 21 professional bouts—20 wins and a draw—with an notable 19 knockout wins. Wardley also claimed Parker's interim WBO championship and is now positioned for a career-defining chance 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 defeating Daniel Dubois by stoppage to become a repeat undisputed heavyweight titleholder in the summer. Just five days after that victory, the WBO ordered the 38-year-old to start talks 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 wanted to fight for another two years but did not plan to step back into the ring in 2025. 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 made no secret of his desire to face the champion next after his latest win. "I have one thing to say - Usyk, Usyk," he stated after the fight. Former cruiserweight champion Usyk 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 emerge as a potential opponent for Wardley. What Fights Do We Know Are Happening? 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 TKV picked up an injury. The rearranged card will be shown live 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 boxing world is waiting for news on a fight date for two-time heavyweight champion British star Anthony Joshua. Joshua has been absent since his brutal fifth-round loss at the hands of compatriot Daniel Dubois in autumn 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 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," 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 doubtful he'll appear on Matchroom's expected card in Ghana on 20 December. His aspiration to box in Africa may have to be postponed until early next year. When Could Itauma Fight Next? Rising star Moses Itauma is the UK's promising heavyweight talent—but the 20-year-old is yet to finalise his next contest. 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 Filip Hrgovic, Michael Hunter and domestic rival David Adeleye. 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 Chatham heavyweight, who is learning the hard way about boxing politics. Titleholder Kubrat Pulev was mandated to defend his title against Itauma on October 14th, but the veteran has revealed intentions to fight Russian Murat Gassiev on 12 December. The mandate gives both camps 30 days to reach agreement. Promoter Frank Warren, who promotes 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 champion dismissed those speculations earlier this month. As for Chisora, he appeared on stage 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". Has Tyson Fury Actually Retired? Predicting what happens next for Tyson Fury has never been easy. The two-time heavyweight champion announced his retirement in January after losing against Usyk for a second time a few weeks prior. Over the recent months, Fury has hinted at returns then changed his mind. Fury has expressed interest in fighting 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 veteran attended Wardley's victory against associate and sparring partner Parker—and that could have sparked his interest.