The Future for the Heavyweight Boxing Scene After Wardley's Big Win?

The British boxer Fabio Wardley has catapulted himself into the heavyweight title conversation after a stunning 11th-round stoppage win against Joseph Parker at the O2 Arena in London.

The remarkable win extended Wardley's unbeaten streak 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 undefeated undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk.

But is Wardley likely to face at the reigning two-division champion?

Which bouts are scheduled? And what matchups could materialize?

Will Usyk Fight Wardley?

The champion impressed again when stopping Daniel Dubois to become a repeat undisputed heavyweight titleholder in July.

Just five days after that victory, the World Boxing Organization mandated the 38-year-old to begin negotiations for a title defense against his mandatory opponent 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 governing body hasn't issued a new order for Usyk to face his mandatory opponent, but could do so soon following Wardley's win.

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 decide to swerve Wardley.

If he does, the organization might strip him of the title 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 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 29 November 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 BBC Two and iPlayer, marking the inaugural show in a fresh collaboration between BBC Sport and Boxxer.

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 autumn 2024.

The veteran underwent elbow surgery in spring and there have been rumors of a potential December return.

Matchroom 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," 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 the anticipated Ghana event on December 20th.

His dream of fighting on the continent may have to wait until February.

What's Next for Moses Itauma?

Young prospect 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 August, extending his perfect record to 13 wins with 11 stoppage wins.

In the aftermath of that stunning win, Itauma was connected to fights with 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 Chatham heavyweight, 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 Russian Murat Gassiev on December 12th.

The mandate gives both camps 30 days to reach agreement.

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 mentioned as a possible challenger for the unified champion, but the champion dismissed those speculations earlier this month.

As for the veteran 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?

Predicting what happens next for Tyson Fury has never been easy.

The former world champion announced his retirement in winter after losing against Usyk for a second time a few weeks prior.

Over the recent months, Fury has teased comebacks and then subsequently backtracked.

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 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.

Kelly Bailey
Kelly Bailey

Aria Vance is an architectural designer and futurist, specializing in sustainable urban planning and innovative building technologies.