🔗 Share this article What Lies Ahead for the Heavyweight Boxing Scene After Wardley's Big Win? The British boxer Fabio Wardley has propelled himself into the world title picture after a surprising late-round knockout win against former champion Joseph Parker at the O2 Arena in London. The remarkable win extended Wardley's undefeated record 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 in line for a career-defining chance against undefeated undisputed champion the Ukrainian champion Oleksandr Usyk. But will Wardley get his shot at the reigning two-division 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 two-time undisputed heavyweight champion in the summer. Shortly after that win, the World Boxing Organization mandated the 38-year-old to start talks for a defense against mandatory challenger Parker. But the fighter suffered a back issue and was granted an extended period 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 face his mandatory opponent, but could do so soon following Wardley's win. Wardley was vocal about wanting 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 elevate Wardley to champion status. If that scenario plays out then ex-IBF titleholder Dubois could emerge as a potential opponent for Wardley. What Fights Do We Know Are Happening? With the champion still deciding his next fight, the heavyweight scene has stalled. There are no major championship bouts scheduled in the closing months of next year. There is a UK heavyweight championship fight on 29 November when Frazer Clarke and Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva meet at the Vaillant Arena in Derby. The fight was initially planned for 25 October before TKV picked up 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 Is Anthony Joshua's Next Bout? The fight community anticipates updates on a bout schedule for former champion British star Anthony Joshua. Joshua has not fought since his devastating fifth-round knockout defeat at the hands of fellow Briton Dubois in autumn 2024. The 36-year-old had elbow surgery in May 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 suggested Joshua might appear on an event 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 expressed desire to compete in Africa, but it is doubtful he'll appear on Matchroom's expected card in Ghana 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? Rising star 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 August, extending his unbeaten record to 13 victories with 11 stoppage wins. In the wake of that impressive victory, Itauma was linked with bouts against several top contenders. His team explored a December bout, with Derek Chisora suggesting he would share a card on 13 December in Manchester. But that schedule is uncertain for the fighter from Chatham, who is learning the hard way about boxing politics. 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 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 Ukrainian downplayed those rumours 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? Predicting what happens next for Tyson Fury has always been challenging. The former world champion declared 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 veteran attended Wardley's victory against friend and training partner Parker—and that could have sparked his interest.