What Lies Ahead for the Heavyweight Division After Wardley's Big Win?

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

This impressive victory extended Wardley's unbeaten streak to 21 fights—20 victories and one draw—with an impressive 19 stoppages.

Wardley also captured Parker's WBO 'interim' title and is now in line for a life-changing opportunity against undefeated unified titleholder 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?

Is a Usyk-Wardley Bout Likely?

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 veteran fighter to start talks for a title defense against his mandatory opponent Parker.

But the Ukrainian sustained a back injury and was granted an extended period to negotiate with Parker's camp.

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 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 made no secret of his desire to fight the titleholder next after his recent victory.

"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 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 scene has stalled.

There are no major championship bouts scheduled in the closing months of next year.

There is a British heavyweight title contest on 29 November when Frazer Clarke and Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva meet at the Vaillant Arena in Derby.

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 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 not fought since his devastating fifth-round knockout defeat at the hands of compatriot Daniel Dubois in autumn 2024.

The veteran underwent elbow surgery in spring and there have been murmurs about a possible date in December.

Promoter Eddie Hearn said it's "uncertain if he'll have a tune-up bout this year", but also suggested Joshua might appear on an event in California on 13 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 doubtful he'll appear 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 Britain's next great heavyweight hope—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 late summer, extending his unbeaten record to 13 victories with 11 knockouts.

In the aftermath of that stunning win, Itauma was linked with bouts against 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 schedule is uncertain for the fighter from Chatham, who is learning the hard way about boxing politics.

WBA 'regular' champion Kubrat Pulev was mandated to defend his title against Itauma on October 14th, but the 44 year-old has announced plans to fight Russian Murat Gassiev on December 12th.

The mandate gives both camps 30 days to reach agreement.

Promoter Frank Warren, who promotes 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 champion dismissed those speculations earlier this month.

As for Chisora, he was present at the O2 Arena alongside other heavyweight contenders 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?

Forecasting Tyson Fury's future has always been challenging.

The former world champion declared his retirement in January after suffering a second defeat to Usyk a few weeks prior.

Over the past nine months, Fury has hinted at returns then changed his mind.

Fury has expressed interest in fighting 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 37-year-old was ringside to watch Wardley's win against friend and training partner Parker—and that could have sparked his interest.