🔗 Share this article What's Next for the Heavyweight Boxing Scene After Wardley's Big Win? Fabio Wardley has propelled himself into the world title picture after a shocking 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 took Parker's interim WBO championship and is now positioned for a life-changing opportunity against undefeated unified titleholder the Ukrainian champion Oleksandr Usyk. But is Wardley likely to face at the reigning two-division 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 repeat undisputed heavyweight titleholder in the summer. Just five days after that victory, the WBO ordered the 38-year-old to start talks for a defense against mandatory challenger Parker. But the Ukrainian sustained a back injury and was given additional time to begin talks with Parker's team. The champion stated recently 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 negotiate with his mandatory challenger, but could do so soon following Wardley's win. 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. Former cruiserweight champion Usyk 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 scenario plays out 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 scene has stalled. There are no major championship bouts scheduled in the final two months of 2025. There is a UK heavyweight championship fight on 29 November when Frazer Clarke and Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva meet at the Vaillant Arena in Derby. The fight was initially planned for October 25th before TKV picked up an injury. The rescheduled event will be broadcast 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 compatriot Daniel Dubois in September 2024. The veteran underwent elbow surgery in May and there have been murmurs about a possible date in December. 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 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," 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 unlikely he will feature on the anticipated Ghana event on December 20th. His aspiration to box in Africa may have to be postponed until early next year. What's Next for Moses Itauma? Young prospect 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 stoppage wins. In the aftermath of that stunning win, Itauma was linked with bouts against 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 a December date 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 veteran has revealed intentions to fight Russian Murat Gassiev on 12 December. The mandate gives both camps 30 days to reach agreement. Promoter 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 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 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". Has Tyson Fury Actually Retired? Predicting what happens next for Tyson Fury has never been easy. The former world champion declared his retirement in January after losing against Usyk for a second time a month earlier. 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 associate and sparring partner Parker—and that could have sparked his interest.