What Lies Ahead for the Heavyweight Boxing Scene After Wardley's Big Win?
The British boxer Fabio Wardley has propelled himself into the heavyweight title conversation after a shocking 11th-round stoppage win against former champion Joseph Parker at London's O2 Arena.
This impressive victory extended Wardley's undefeated record to 21 professional bouts—20 victories and one draw—with an impressive 19 stoppages.
Wardley also claimed Parker's WBO 'interim' title and is now in line for a life-changing opportunity against undefeated unified titleholder the Ukrainian champion Oleksandr Usyk.
But is Wardley likely to face at the undefeated two-weight undisputed champion?
What other fights are happening? And what other bouts might be possible?
Will Usyk Fight Wardley?
Usyk once again dazzled when defeating Daniel Dubois by stoppage to become a repeat undisputed heavyweight titleholder in the summer.
Shortly after that win, the WBO ordered the 38-year-old to begin negotiations for a defense against mandatory challenger Parker.
But the fighter suffered a back issue and was given additional time to negotiate with Parker's camp.
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 face his mandatory opponent, but might act shortly 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.
The ex-cruiserweight titleholder may even choose to avoid Wardley.
If he does, the WBO could force him to vacate their belt and upgrade Wardley to champion.
If that scenario plays out then former IBF champion Dubois could emerge as a potential opponent for Wardley.
Which Bouts Are Confirmed?
With the champion still deciding his next fight, the heavyweight scene has stalled.
There are no world-level fights on the agenda in the closing months of next year.
There is a British heavyweight title contest on November 29th when Frazer Clarke faces Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva 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 first event in a new partnership between the broadcaster and promotion company.
When Will Joshua Fight Next?
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 fellow Briton Dubois in autumn 2024.
The veteran underwent elbow surgery in May 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," 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 wait until February.
What's Next for Moses Itauma?
Young prospect Moses Itauma is the UK's promising heavyweight talent—but the young fighter hasn't confirmed his next bout.
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 connected to fights with 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 13 December in Manchester.
But that date is now in doubt for the fighter from Chatham, who is discovering the complexities of boxing negotiations.
Titleholder 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 December 12th.
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 other heavyweight contenders 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".
Is Fury Really Retired?
Predicting what happens next for Tyson Fury has always been challenging.
The two-time heavyweight champion announced his retirement in winter after losing against Usyk for a second time 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 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.