What's Next for the Heavyweight Boxing Scene After Wardley's Big Win?
Fabio Wardley has catapulted himself into the world title picture after a stunning 11th-round stoppage win against former champion Joseph Parker at London's O2 Arena.
This impressive victory extended Wardley's unbeaten streak to 21 fights—20 wins and a draw—with an notable 19 knockout wins.
Wardley also claimed Parker's interim WBO championship and is now positioned for a life-changing opportunity against undefeated undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk.
But is Wardley likely to face at the undefeated two-weight undisputed champion?
What other fights are happening? And what other bouts might be possible?
Will Usyk Fight Wardley?
The champion impressed again when stopping Daniel Dubois to become a repeat undisputed heavyweight titleholder in July.
Just five days after that victory, the WBO ordered the veteran fighter to begin negotiations for a defense against mandatory challenger Parker.
But the Ukrainian sustained a back injury 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 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 stated after the fight.
The ex-cruiserweight titleholder may even choose to avoid 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.
Which Bouts Are Confirmed?
With Usyk yet to make his next move, the heavyweight scene has stalled.
There are no world-level fights on the agenda 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 TKV picked up an injury.
The rearranged card will be shown live on television and streaming platforms, marking the inaugural show in a fresh collaboration 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 not fought since his devastating fifth-round knockout defeat at the hands of compatriot Daniel 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 hinted Joshua could be added to a card in California on 13 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," 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 made clear his intention to fight in Africa, but it is unlikely he will feature on Matchroom's expected card in Ghana on December 20th.
His dream of fighting on the continent may have to wait until February.
When Could Itauma Fight Next?
Young prospect 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 perfect record to 13 wins 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 veteran Chisora indicating they might appear together on a December date in Manchester.
But that schedule is uncertain 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 Russian Murat Gassiev on 12 December.
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 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 other heavyweight contenders before the main event.
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?
Predicting what happens next for Tyson Fury has always been challenging.
The former world champion announced his retirement in January after suffering a second defeat to Usyk a few weeks prior.
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 stating he has achieved everything he wanted to and is content to remain outside the ring.
During a recent media appearance, 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 could have sparked his interest.