The Future for the Heavyweight Boxing Scene After Wardley's Victory?
Fabio Wardley has propelled himself into the heavyweight title conversation after a shocking late-round knockout win against Joseph Parker at London's O2 Arena.
The remarkable win extended Wardley's unbeaten streak to 21 professional bouts—20 wins and a draw—with an impressive 19 stoppages.
Wardley also claimed 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 matchups could materialize?
Is a Usyk-Wardley Bout Likely?
The champion impressed again when stopping Daniel Dubois to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion 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 begin talks with Parker's team.
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 could do so soon 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 said in his post-fight interview.
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 ex-IBF titleholder 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 November 29th when Frazer Clarke faces Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva at the Vaillant Arena in Derby.
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 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 Anthony Joshua.
Joshua has not fought since his devastating fifth-round knockout defeat at the hands of fellow Briton Dubois in September 2024.
The 36-year-old had elbow surgery in May and there have been murmurs about a possible date in December.
Matchroom 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," 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 expressed desire to compete in Africa, but it is unlikely he will feature on Matchroom's expected card in Ghana on December 20th.
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 Britain's next great heavyweight hope—but the 20-year-old is yet to finalise his next contest.
Itauma boosted his standing with a quick knockout of Dillian Whyte in August, extending his perfect record to 13 wins with 11 stoppage wins.
In the aftermath of that stunning win, 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 schedule is uncertain 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 October 14th, but the 44 year-old has announced plans to fight Russian Murat Gassiev on 12 December.
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 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".
Is Fury Really Retired?
Forecasting Tyson Fury's future has always been challenging.
The former world champion announced his retirement in January after losing against Usyk for a second time a month earlier.
Over the past nine months, Fury has hinted at returns then changed his mind.
Fury has expressed interest in fighting 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.