🔗 Share this article The Future for the Heavyweight Boxing Scene After Wardley's Victory? Fabio Wardley has propelled himself into the heavyweight title conversation after a shocking 11th-round stoppage win against Joseph Parker at the O2 Arena in London. This impressive victory extended Wardley's undefeated record to 21 fights—20 wins and a draw—with an notable 19 knockout wins. Wardley also captured Parker's interim WBO championship and is now in line for a career-defining chance against unbeaten unified titleholder Oleksandr Usyk. But is Wardley likely to face at the undefeated two-weight undisputed 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 July. Shortly after that win, the World Boxing Organization mandated 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 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 could do so soon following Wardley's victory. Wardley was vocal about wanting to face the champion 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 upgrade Wardley to champion. If that situation unfolds then former IBF champion Dubois could become a possible contender for Wardley. Which Bouts Are Confirmed? With the champion still deciding his next fight, the heavyweight division has been on pause. There are no major championship bouts scheduled in the final two months of 2025. There is a British heavyweight title contest on 29 November when Frazer Clarke and Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva meet at Derby's Vaillant Arena. The bout was originally scheduled for 25 October before Tshikeva suffered an injury. The rescheduled event will be broadcast on television and streaming platforms, marking the first event in a new partnership between BBC Sport and Boxxer. When Will Joshua Fight Next? The fight community anticipates updates 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 36-year-old had 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 event in Saudi Arabia on 27 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 expressed desire to compete in Africa, but it is unlikely he will feature on Matchroom's expected card in Ghana on 20 December. His dream of fighting on the continent may have to wait until February. 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 first-round stoppage 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 linked with bouts against 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 mandated to defend his title against Itauma on 14 October, but the 44 year-old has announced plans to fight opponent Murat Gassiev on December 12th. The WBA order means both sides have 30 days to negotiate a deal. Queensberry's 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 mentioned as a possible challenger for the unified champion, but the Ukrainian downplayed those rumours earlier this month. As for the veteran 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". Has Tyson Fury Actually Retired? Predicting what happens next for Tyson Fury has always been challenging. The former world champion declared his retirement in January after suffering a second defeat to Usyk a month earlier. Over the recent months, Fury has teased comebacks and then subsequently backtracked. 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 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 might have whet his appetite.