🔗 Share this article The Future for the Heavyweight Boxing Scene After Wardley's Big Win? The British boxer Fabio Wardley has thrust himself into the world title picture after a shocking 11th-round stoppage win against former champion Joseph Parker at London's O2 Arena. This impressive victory extended Wardley's unbeaten streak 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 in line for a life-changing opportunity 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 other bouts might be possible? Is a Usyk-Wardley Bout Likely? Usyk once again dazzled when stopping Daniel Dubois to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion in the summer. Shortly after that win, the WBO ordered the veteran fighter 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 wanted to fight for another two years but did not plan to step back into the ring in 2025. The governing body hasn't issued a new order for Usyk to face his mandatory opponent, but might act shortly following Wardley's victory. Wardley made no secret of his desire to fight the titleholder next after his recent victory. "I have one thing to say - Usyk, Usyk," he stated after the fight. 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 ex-IBF titleholder Dubois could emerge as a potential opponent for Wardley. Which Bouts Are Confirmed? 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 bout was originally scheduled 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 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 May and there have been murmurs about a possible date in December. 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," 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 dream of fighting on the continent may have to wait until February. When Could Itauma Fight Next? Young prospect Moses Itauma is Britain's next great heavyweight hope—but the young fighter hasn't confirmed his next bout. Itauma further enhanced his reputation with a first-round stoppage 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 several top contenders. Team Itauma were considering a fight in December, with Derek Chisora suggesting he would share a card on a December date in Manchester. But that date is now in doubt for the fighter from Chatham, who is learning the hard way about boxing politics. WBA 'regular' champion Kubrat Pulev was ordered to defend his belt against Itauma on October 14th, 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. 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 champion dismissed those speculations earlier this month. As for 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 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 never been easy. The two-time heavyweight champion declared his retirement in January after losing against Usyk for a second time a month earlier. Over the past nine 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 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.