🔗 Share this article The Future for the Heavyweight Boxing Scene After Wardley's Victory? The British boxer Fabio Wardley has thrust himself into the world title picture after a shocking 11th-round stoppage win against 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 interim WBO championship and is now positioned for a life-changing opportunity against undefeated undisputed champion the Ukrainian champion Oleksandr Usyk. But is Wardley likely to face at the reigning two-division 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 two-time undisputed heavyweight champion in July. Shortly after that win, the World Boxing Organization mandated the veteran fighter to start talks 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. 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 WBO has not made a fresh call for Usyk to negotiate with his mandatory challenger, but could do so soon following Wardley's victory. Wardley was vocal about wanting to face the champion next after his recent victory. "I have one thing to say - Usyk, Usyk," he stated after the fight. The ex-cruiserweight titleholder may even decide to swerve Wardley. If he does, the organization might strip him of the title and upgrade Wardley to champion. If that situation unfolds then ex-IBF titleholder Dubois could become a possible contender 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 final two months of 2025. There is a UK heavyweight championship fight on November 29th 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 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 Will Joshua Fight Next? The fight community anticipates updates on a fight date for two-time heavyweight champion British star Anthony Joshua. Joshua has not fought since his devastating fifth-round knockout defeat at the hands of compatriot Daniel Dubois in autumn 2024. The 36-year-old had elbow surgery in May 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 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 expressed desire to compete 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 be postponed until early next year. When Could Itauma Fight Next? Rising star Moses Itauma is Britain's next great heavyweight hope—but the 20-year-old is yet to finalise his next contest. Itauma boosted his standing with a first-round stoppage of Dillian Whyte in late summer, extending his perfect record to 13 wins with 11 knockouts. In the aftermath of that stunning win, Itauma was connected to fights with 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 date is now in doubt for the Chatham heavyweight, who is learning the hard way about boxing politics. WBA 'regular' champion Kubrat Pulev was ordered to defend his belt against Itauma on 14 October, but the 44 year-old has announced plans to fight opponent Murat Gassiev on 12 December. The mandate gives both camps 30 days to reach agreement. Promoter Frank Warren, who represents 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 Ukrainian downplayed those rumours earlier this month. As for the veteran Chisora, he was present 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? Predicting what happens next for Tyson Fury has never been easy. The two-time heavyweight champion announced his retirement in winter after losing against Usyk for a second time 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 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.