The Future for the Heavyweight Division After Wardley's Victory?

Fabio Wardley has catapulted himself into the world title picture after a surprising 11th-round stoppage win against Joseph Parker at London's O2 Arena.

The remarkable win 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 positioned for a life-changing opportunity against undefeated unified titleholder the Ukrainian champion Oleksandr Usyk.

But is Wardley likely to face at the reigning two-division champion?

Which bouts are scheduled? And what other bouts might be possible?

Will Usyk Fight Wardley?

Usyk once again dazzled when stopping Daniel Dubois to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion in the summer.

Shortly after that win, 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 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.

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 scenario plays out then ex-IBF titleholder Dubois could become a possible contender for Wardley.

What Fights Do We Know Are Happening?

With Usyk yet to make his next move, the heavyweight division has been on pause.

There are no major championship bouts scheduled in the final two months of 2025.

There is a UK heavyweight championship fight on November 29th when Frazer Clarke faces Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva at Derby's Vaillant Arena.

The fight was initially planned for October 25th before TKV picked up 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 Will Joshua Fight Next?

The fight community anticipates updates 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 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 suggested Joshua might appear on an event in the West Coast in 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," 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 made clear his intention to fight in Africa, but it is unlikely he will feature on the anticipated Ghana event on December 20th.

His dream of fighting on the continent 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 further enhanced his reputation with a first-round stoppage of Dillian Whyte in August, extending his perfect record to 13 wins with 11 stoppage wins.

In the wake of that impressive victory, Itauma was connected to fights with Filip Hrgovic, Michael Hunter and domestic rival David Adeleye.

Team Itauma were considering a fight in December, with veteran Chisora indicating they might appear together on 13 December in Manchester.

But that date is now in doubt 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 14 October, 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 promotes Itauma, told media outlets 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 champion dismissed those speculations earlier this month.

As for Chisora, he appeared on stage at the O2 Arena alongside fellow British heavyweight Whyte and American Jarrell Miller before the main event.

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?

Forecasting Tyson Fury's future has never been easy.

The two-time heavyweight champion announced his retirement in January after suffering a second defeat to Usyk a month earlier.

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 stating he has achieved everything he wanted to 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 associate and sparring partner Parker—and that could have sparked his interest.

Whitney Garrett
Whitney Garrett

A seasoned journalist with a focus on human rights and cross-cultural storytelling, bringing over a decade of experience to her engaging articles.