🔗 Share this article What Lies Ahead for the Heavyweight Division After Wardley's Big Win? The British boxer Fabio Wardley has thrust himself into the world title picture after a surprising late-round knockout win against former champion Joseph Parker at London's O2 Arena. This impressive victory extended Wardley's unbeaten streak to 21 professional bouts—20 victories and one draw—with an impressive 19 stoppages. 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 reigning two-division champion? What other fights are happening? And what other bouts might be possible? Is a Usyk-Wardley Bout Likely? The champion impressed again when defeating Daniel Dubois by stoppage to become a repeat undisputed heavyweight titleholder in July. Shortly after that win, the World Boxing Organization mandated the 38-year-old to start talks for a title defense against his mandatory opponent 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 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 was vocal about wanting to fight the titleholder next after his latest win. "I have one thing to say - Usyk, Usyk," he said in his post-fight interview. 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 situation unfolds 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 and Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva meet at Derby's Vaillant Arena. The fight was initially planned for October 25th before Tshikeva suffered an injury. The rescheduled event will be broadcast on BBC Two and iPlayer, marking the first event in a new partnership 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 September 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 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 be postponed until early next year. What's Next for Moses Itauma? Rising star Moses Itauma is the UK's promising heavyweight talent—but the 20-year-old is yet to finalise his next contest. Itauma boosted his standing with a quick knockout of Dillian Whyte in late summer, extending his perfect record to 13 wins 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 13 December in Manchester. But that date is now in doubt for the Chatham heavyweight, 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 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 BBC Sport 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 Ukrainian downplayed those rumours earlier this month. As for the veteran 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". Is Fury Really Retired? Predicting what happens next for Tyson Fury has never been easy. The two-time heavyweight champion announced his retirement in winter 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 spoken of a desire to get in the ring with 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 veteran attended Wardley's victory against friend and training partner Parker—and that could have sparked his interest.