What Lies Ahead for the Heavyweight Division After Wardley's Big Win?
The British boxer Fabio Wardley has catapulted himself into the heavyweight title conversation after a surprising late-round knockout win against Joseph Parker at the O2 Arena in London.
The remarkable win extended Wardley's undefeated record to 21 professional bouts—20 victories and one draw—with an notable 19 knockout wins.
Wardley also claimed Parker's interim WBO championship and is now in line for a life-changing opportunity against unbeaten undisputed champion the Ukrainian champion Oleksandr Usyk.
But is Wardley likely to face at the undefeated two-weight undisputed champion?
Which bouts are scheduled? And what other bouts might be possible?
Will Usyk Fight Wardley?
Usyk once again dazzled when defeating Daniel Dubois by stoppage to become a repeat undisputed heavyweight titleholder in July.
Shortly after that win, the WBO ordered the 38-year-old to start talks for a title defense against his mandatory opponent 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 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 was vocal about wanting to face the champion 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 WBO could force him to vacate their belt and elevate Wardley to champion status.
If that scenario plays out then former IBF champion 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 British heavyweight title contest on November 29th when Frazer Clarke faces Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva at Derby's Vaillant Arena.
The bout was originally scheduled for October 25th before Tshikeva suffered an injury.
The rescheduled event will be broadcast on television and streaming platforms, marking the first event in a new partnership 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 been absent since his brutal fifth-round loss at the hands of compatriot Daniel Dubois in September 2024.
The veteran underwent elbow surgery in spring and there have been murmurs about a possible date in December.
Matchroom 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 event in Saudi Arabia on 27 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 doubtful he'll appear on Matchroom's expected card in Ghana on December 20th.
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 young fighter hasn't confirmed his next bout.
Itauma further enhanced his reputation with a quick knockout 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 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 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 14 October, but the 44 year-old has announced plans to fight opponent Murat Gassiev on December 12th.
The WBA order means both sides have 30 days to negotiate a deal.
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 other heavyweight contenders 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".
Is Fury Really Retired?
Forecasting Tyson Fury's future has always been challenging.
The two-time heavyweight champion announced his retirement in January after suffering a second defeat to Usyk 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 37-year-old was ringside to watch Wardley's win against friend and training partner Parker—and that might have whet his appetite.