What Lies Ahead for the Heavyweight Division After Wardley's Big Win?
The British boxer Fabio Wardley has thrust himself into the world title picture after a stunning 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 impressive 19 stoppages.
Wardley also captured Parker's WBO 'interim' title and is now positioned for a career-defining chance against unbeaten unified titleholder Oleksandr Usyk.
But is Wardley likely to face at the reigning two-division champion?
Which bouts are scheduled? And what matchups could materialize?
Is a Usyk-Wardley Bout Likely?
Usyk once again dazzled when defeating Daniel Dubois by stoppage to become a repeat undisputed heavyweight titleholder in July.
Shortly after that win, the World Boxing Organization mandated the veteran fighter to start talks for a title defense against his mandatory opponent Parker.
But the Ukrainian sustained a back injury and was granted an extended period to negotiate with Parker's camp.
The champion stated recently he planned to continue boxing for two more years but had no intention of fighting next year.
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 fight the titleholder next after his recent victory.
"I have one thing to say - Usyk, Usyk," he stated after the fight.
The ex-cruiserweight titleholder 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 become a possible contender for Wardley.
Which Bouts Are Confirmed?
With the champion still deciding his next fight, the heavyweight division has been on pause.
There are no major championship bouts scheduled in the final two months of 2025.
There is a British heavyweight title contest on 29 November when Frazer Clarke faces Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva at the Vaillant Arena in Derby.
The fight was initially planned for 25 October 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 fellow Briton Dubois in September 2024.
The 36-year-old had elbow surgery in spring and there have been rumors of a potential December return.
Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn said it's "50-50 he will return for a warm-up fight 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 made clear his intention to fight in Africa, but it is doubtful he'll appear on Matchroom's expected card in Ghana on 20 December.
His dream of fighting on the continent may have to wait until February.
What's Next for Moses Itauma?
Young prospect Moses Itauma is Britain's next great heavyweight hope—but the young fighter hasn't confirmed his next bout.
Itauma further enhanced his reputation with a first-round stoppage of Dillian Whyte in August, extending his unbeaten record to 13 victories with 11 knockouts.
In the aftermath of that stunning win, Itauma was linked with bouts against several top contenders.
Team Itauma were considering a fight in December, with Derek Chisora suggesting he would share a card on a December date in Manchester.
But that date is now in doubt for the Chatham heavyweight, who is learning the hard way about boxing politics.
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 12 December.
The WBA order means both sides have 30 days to negotiate a deal.
Queensberry's 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 mentioned as a possible challenger for the unified champion, but the champion dismissed those speculations earlier this month.
As for Chisora, he appeared on stage 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".
Is Fury Really Retired?
Predicting what happens next for Tyson Fury has never been easy.
The two-time heavyweight champion declared his retirement in January after suffering a second defeat to Usyk a few weeks prior.
Over the past nine 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 content to remain outside the ring.
During a recent media appearance, Fury said there was "no actual reason for me to go back in the boxing ring".
But the veteran attended Wardley's victory against associate and sparring partner Parker—and that could have sparked his interest.