What's Next for the Heavyweight Division After Wardley's Victory?

The British boxer Fabio Wardley has thrust himself into the heavyweight title conversation after a surprising late-round knockout win against former champion Joseph Parker at the O2 Arena in London.

The remarkable win extended Wardley's undefeated record to 21 fights—20 wins and a draw—with an notable 19 knockout wins.

Wardley also captured Parker's WBO 'interim' title and is now positioned for a career-defining chance against unbeaten unified titleholder Oleksandr Usyk.

But will Wardley get his shot at the undefeated two-weight undisputed champion?

Which bouts are scheduled? 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 title defense against his mandatory opponent Parker.

But the Ukrainian sustained a back injury and was given additional time to negotiate with Parker's camp.

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 negotiate with his mandatory challenger, but might act shortly following Wardley's win.

Wardley made no secret of his desire to face the champion next after his recent victory.

"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 organization might strip him of the title 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 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 29 November when Frazer Clarke and Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva meet at Derby's Vaillant Arena.

The fight was initially planned for 25 October before Tshikeva suffered an injury.

The rescheduled event will be broadcast on BBC Two and iPlayer, marking the inaugural show in a fresh collaboration between the broadcaster and promotion company.

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 autumn 2024.

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

Promoter Eddie Hearn said it's "uncertain if he'll have a tune-up bout this year", but also suggested Joshua might appear on an event 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 20 December.

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 August, 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.

His team explored a December bout, with Derek Chisora suggesting he would share a card on 13 December in Manchester.

But that schedule is uncertain for the Chatham heavyweight, who is learning the hard way about boxing politics.

Titleholder Kubrat Pulev was mandated to defend his title against Itauma on October 14th, but the 44 year-old has announced plans 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 BBC Sport 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 fellow British heavyweight Whyte and American Jarrell Miller 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 two-time heavyweight champion announced 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 happy to stay on the other side of the ropes.

During a recent media appearance, 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 might have whet his appetite.