🔗 Share this article What's Next for the Heavyweight Boxing Scene After Wardley's Big Win? Fabio Wardley has thrust himself into the world title picture after a shocking 11th-round stoppage win against Joseph Parker at the O2 Arena in London. The remarkable win extended Wardley's unbeaten streak to 21 fights—20 victories and one draw—with an impressive 19 stoppages. Wardley also took Parker's WBO 'interim' title and is now in line for a life-changing opportunity against undefeated undisputed champion the Ukrainian champion Oleksandr Usyk. But is Wardley likely to face at the reigning two-division champion? What other fights are happening? 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 July. Just five days after that victory, the WBO ordered the 38-year-old to start talks for a title defense against his mandatory opponent Parker. But the fighter suffered a back issue and was given additional time to negotiate with Parker's camp. The champion stated recently he planned to continue boxing for two more years but had no intention of fighting next year. The governing body hasn't issued a new order 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 latest win. "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 former IBF champion 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 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 faces Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva at Derby's Vaillant Arena. The fight was initially planned for October 25th before Tshikeva suffered an injury. The rearranged card will be shown live on BBC Two and iPlayer, marking the inaugural show in a fresh collaboration between the broadcaster and promotion company. When Will Joshua Fight Next? The boxing world is waiting for news 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 veteran underwent elbow surgery in spring and there have been murmurs about a possible date in December. 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 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 20 December. His aspiration to box in Africa may have to be postponed until early next year. When Could Itauma Fight Next? 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 unbeaten record to 13 victories 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. Team Itauma were considering a fight in December, with veteran Chisora indicating they might appear together on 13 December in Manchester. But that schedule is uncertain for the fighter from Chatham, who is discovering the complexities of boxing negotiations. WBA 'regular' champion Kubrat Pulev was mandated to defend his title against Itauma on October 14th, but the veteran has revealed intentions to fight opponent 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 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? Forecasting Tyson Fury's future has never been easy. The former world champion declared his retirement in January after suffering a second defeat to Usyk a month earlier. Over the past nine months, Fury has teased comebacks and then subsequently backtracked. Fury has expressed interest in fighting 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 friend and training partner Parker—and that could have sparked his interest.