The Future for the Heavyweight Boxing Scene After Wardley's Big Win?

Fabio Wardley has catapulted himself into the heavyweight title conversation after a shocking late-round knockout win against former champion Joseph Parker at the O2 Arena in London.

This impressive victory extended Wardley's undefeated record to 21 fights—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 Oleksandr Usyk.

But will Wardley get his shot at the undefeated two-weight undisputed champion?

What other fights are happening? And what other bouts might be possible?

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 WBO ordered the 38-year-old to begin negotiations for a title defense against his mandatory opponent Parker.

But the Ukrainian sustained a back injury and was given additional time to negotiate with Parker's camp.

The champion stated recently he planned to continue boxing for two more 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 negotiate with his mandatory challenger, but might act shortly following Wardley's victory.

Wardley was vocal about wanting to fight the titleholder next after his latest win.

"I have one thing to say - Usyk, Usyk," he stated after the fight.

The ex-cruiserweight titleholder 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 become a possible contender 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 29 November when Frazer Clarke and Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva meet 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 television and streaming platforms, 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 not fought since his devastating fifth-round knockout defeat at the hands of compatriot Daniel Dubois in September 2024.

The veteran underwent elbow surgery in May 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 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 the anticipated Ghana event on December 20th.

His dream of fighting on the continent may have to be postponed until early next year.

When Could Itauma Fight Next?

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 late summer, extending his perfect record to 13 wins 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 October 14th, but the 44 year-old has announced plans to fight opponent Murat Gassiev on 12 December.

The mandate gives both camps 30 days to reach agreement.

Promoter Frank Warren, who represents 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 Ukrainian downplayed those rumours 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?

Predicting what happens next for Tyson Fury has never been easy.

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 happy to stay on the other side of the ropes.

During a recent media appearance, 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 might have whet his appetite.

Lisa Johnston
Lisa Johnston

A tech enthusiast and digital strategist with over a decade of experience in analyzing emerging technologies and their impact on society.