🔗 Share this article What Lies Ahead for the Heavyweight Division After Wardley's Big Win? The British boxer Fabio Wardley has propelled himself into the world title picture after a shocking late-round knockout win against Joseph Parker at London's O2 Arena. The remarkable win extended Wardley's undefeated record to 21 professional bouts—20 victories and one draw—with an impressive 19 stoppages. Wardley also captured Parker's interim WBO championship and is now in line for a life-changing opportunity against unbeaten undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk. But is Wardley likely to face at the undefeated two-weight undisputed champion? What other fights are happening? And what matchups could materialize? Will Usyk Fight Wardley? Usyk once again dazzled when stopping Daniel Dubois to become a repeat undisputed heavyweight titleholder in the summer. Just five days after that victory, the World Boxing Organization mandated the veteran fighter to begin negotiations for a defense against mandatory challenger Parker. But the fighter suffered a back issue and was given additional time to begin talks with Parker's team. Usyk said earlier this month he wanted to fight for another two 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 victory. Wardley was vocal about wanting to fight the titleholder 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 organization might strip him of the title and elevate Wardley to champion status. If that situation unfolds 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 scene has stalled. There are no world-level fights on the agenda 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 Derby's Vaillant Arena. The bout was originally scheduled for 25 October 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 boxing world is waiting for news on a fight date for two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua. Joshua has been absent since his brutal fifth-round loss at the hands of fellow Briton Dubois in September 2024. The 36-year-old had elbow surgery in spring and there have been rumors of a potential December return. Promoter Eddie Hearn said it's "50-50 he will return for a warm-up fight 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," 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 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 quick knockout 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 Filip Hrgovic, Michael Hunter and domestic rival David Adeleye. His team explored a December bout, 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 discovering the complexities of boxing negotiations. WBA 'regular' champion Kubrat Pulev was mandated to defend his title against Itauma on 14 October, but the 44 year-old has announced plans to fight opponent Murat Gassiev on December 12th. The mandate gives both camps 30 days to reach agreement. Queensberry's 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 champion dismissed those speculations earlier this month. As for the veteran Chisora, he was present at the O2 Arena alongside fellow British heavyweight Whyte and American Jarrell Miller 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". Has Tyson Fury Actually Retired? Predicting what happens next for Tyson Fury has always been challenging. The two-time heavyweight champion declared his retirement in January after losing against Usyk for a second time a month earlier. 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 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 associate and sparring partner Parker—and that might have whet his appetite.