🔗 Share this article What Lies Ahead for the Heavyweight Division After Wardley's Big Win? Fabio Wardley has thrust himself into the heavyweight title conversation after a stunning late-round knockout win against former champion Joseph Parker at London's O2 Arena. The remarkable win extended Wardley's unbeaten streak to 21 fights—20 wins and a draw—with an notable 19 knockout wins. Wardley also captured Parker's WBO 'interim' title and is now positioned for a life-changing opportunity against undefeated undisputed champion 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? Is a Usyk-Wardley Bout Likely? The champion impressed again 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 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. 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 WBO has not made a fresh call for Usyk to negotiate with his mandatory challenger, but could do so soon following Wardley's win. Wardley made no secret of his desire to face the champion next after his recent victory. "I have one thing to say - Usyk, Usyk," he said in his post-fight interview. Former cruiserweight champion Usyk 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 scenario plays out then former IBF champion Dubois could become a possible contender for Wardley. Which Bouts Are Confirmed? With Usyk yet to make his next move, 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 November 29th when Frazer Clarke and Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva meet at the Vaillant Arena in Derby. The bout was originally scheduled 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 the broadcaster and promotion company. When Is Anthony Joshua's Next Bout? The boxing world is waiting for news on a bout schedule for former champion British star Anthony Joshua. Joshua has been absent since his brutal fifth-round loss at the hands of fellow Briton Dubois in autumn 2024. The 36-year-old had elbow surgery in spring and there have been rumors of a potential December return. Matchroom 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 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 unlikely he will feature on Matchroom's expected card in Ghana on 20 December. His dream of fighting on the continent may have to be postponed until early next year. What's Next for Moses Itauma? Young prospect 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 late summer, extending his perfect record to 13 wins with 11 stoppage wins. In the wake of that impressive victory, 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 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 ordered to defend his belt against Itauma on 14 October, but the 44 year-old has announced plans to fight Russian Murat Gassiev on December 12th. The WBA order means both sides have 30 days to negotiate a deal. 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 suggested as a potential opponent for undisputed champion Usyk, but the Ukrainian downplayed those rumours earlier this month. As for the veteran Chisora, he appeared on stage at the O2 Arena alongside fellow British heavyweight Whyte and American Jarrell Miller 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 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 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 37-year-old was ringside to watch Wardley's win against friend and training partner Parker—and that could have sparked his interest.