🔗 Share this article What Lies Ahead for the Heavyweight Boxing Scene After Wardley's Victory? The British boxer Fabio Wardley has thrust himself into the heavyweight title conversation after a stunning 11th-round stoppage win against former champion Joseph Parker at London's O2 Arena. The remarkable win extended Wardley's undefeated record to 21 professional bouts—20 wins and a draw—with an notable 19 knockout wins. Wardley also claimed Parker's WBO 'interim' title and is now positioned for a life-changing opportunity against unbeaten unified titleholder Oleksandr Usyk. But will Wardley get his shot at the undefeated two-weight undisputed champion? Which bouts are scheduled? And what other bouts might be possible? Is a Usyk-Wardley Bout Likely? The champion impressed again when defeating Daniel Dubois by stoppage to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion in the summer. Shortly after that win, the World Boxing Organization mandated the veteran fighter to begin negotiations for a defense against mandatory challenger Parker. But the Ukrainian sustained a back injury and was granted an extended period to begin talks with Parker's team. Usyk said earlier this month he wanted to fight for another two 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 could do so soon following Wardley's victory. Wardley made no secret of his desire to fight the titleholder next after his latest win. "I have one thing to say - Usyk, Usyk," he said in his post-fight interview. 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 former IBF champion Dubois could become a possible contender for Wardley. Which Bouts Are Confirmed? With Usyk yet to make his next move, the heavyweight division has been on pause. There are no world-level fights on the agenda in the final two months of 2025. There is a UK heavyweight championship fight on November 29th when Frazer Clarke and Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva meet at the Vaillant Arena in Derby. 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 the broadcaster and promotion company. When Will Joshua Fight Next? The fight community anticipates updates on a bout schedule for former champion Anthony Joshua. Joshua has been absent since his brutal fifth-round loss at the hands of fellow Briton Dubois in September 2024. The veteran underwent elbow surgery in May and there have been rumors of a potential December return. 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 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 doubtful he'll appear on the anticipated Ghana event on December 20th. His dream of fighting on the continent may have to wait until February. When Could Itauma Fight Next? Rising star Moses Itauma is the UK's promising heavyweight talent—but the 20-year-old is yet to finalise his next contest. Itauma boosted his standing with a quick knockout 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 several top contenders. Team Itauma were considering a fight in December, with Derek Chisora suggesting he would share a card on 13 December in Manchester. But that schedule is uncertain for the Chatham heavyweight, 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. Queensberry's Frank Warren, who represents 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 the veteran Chisora, he appeared on stage at the O2 Arena alongside fellow British heavyweight Whyte and American Jarrell Miller before Wardley's win over Parker. 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? 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 few weeks prior. Over the recent 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 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 friend and training partner Parker—and that could have sparked his interest.