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 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 wins and a draw—with an impressive 19 stoppages.
Wardley also claimed Parker's WBO 'interim' title and is now positioned for a life-changing opportunity against unbeaten undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk.
But will Wardley get his shot at the undefeated two-weight undisputed champion?
What other fights are happening? And what other bouts might be possible?
Is a Usyk-Wardley Bout Likely?
The champion impressed again 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 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 had no intention of fighting next year.
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 latest win.
"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 situation unfolds then ex-IBF titleholder Dubois could emerge as a potential opponent 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 world-level fights on the agenda in the final two months of 2025.
There is a UK heavyweight championship fight on 29 November when Frazer Clarke faces Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva at Derby's Vaillant Arena.
The fight was initially planned for October 25th before Tshikeva suffered an injury.
The rescheduled event will be broadcast on television and streaming platforms, marking the inaugural show in a fresh collaboration between BBC Sport and Boxxer.
When Will Joshua Fight Next?
The boxing world is waiting for news on a bout schedule for former champion Anthony Joshua.
Joshua has been absent since his brutal fifth-round loss at the hands of compatriot Daniel Dubois in September 2024.
The 36-year-old had elbow surgery in spring 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 the West Coast in 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 unlikely he will feature on the anticipated Ghana event on 20 December.
His dream of fighting on the continent may have to wait until February.
When Could Itauma Fight Next?
Rising star Moses Itauma is Britain's next great heavyweight hope—but the young fighter hasn't confirmed his next bout.
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.
His team explored a December bout, with veteran Chisora indicating they might appear together on a December date in Manchester.
But that schedule is uncertain for the Chatham heavyweight, who is discovering the complexities of boxing negotiations.
Titleholder Kubrat Pulev was ordered to defend his belt against Itauma on October 14th, but the veteran has revealed intentions to fight Russian Murat Gassiev on December 12th.
The mandate gives both camps 30 days to reach agreement.
Promoter 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".
Has Tyson Fury Actually Retired?
Forecasting Tyson Fury's future has always been challenging.
The former world champion announced his retirement in winter 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 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 might have whet his appetite.