What Lies Ahead for the Heavyweight Division After Wardley's Big Win?
Fabio Wardley has propelled himself into the heavyweight title conversation after a surprising 11th-round stoppage win against former champion Joseph Parker at London's O2 Arena.
The remarkable win extended Wardley's unbeaten streak 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 life-changing opportunity against undefeated undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk.
But is Wardley likely to face at the undefeated two-weight undisputed champion?
Which bouts are scheduled? And what matchups could materialize?
Will Usyk Fight Wardley?
The champion impressed again when stopping Daniel Dubois to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion in the summer.
Shortly after that win, the World Boxing Organization mandated the veteran fighter to begin negotiations for a defense against mandatory challenger Parker.
But the Ukrainian sustained a back injury and was granted an extended period to negotiate with Parker's camp.
Usyk said earlier this month he wanted to fight for another two years but had no intention of fighting next year.
The WBO has not made a fresh call for Usyk to face his mandatory opponent, but might act shortly following Wardley's victory.
Wardley was vocal about wanting to face the champion next after his latest win.
"I have one thing to say - Usyk, Usyk," he stated after the fight.
Former cruiserweight champion Usyk may even decide to swerve 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 become a possible contender for Wardley.
Which Bouts Are Confirmed?
With Usyk yet to make his next move, 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 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 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 fellow Briton Dubois in September 2024.
The 36-year-old had elbow surgery in May and there have been rumors of a potential December return.
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 made clear his intention to fight in Africa, but it is doubtful he'll appear on the anticipated Ghana event on 20 December.
His aspiration to box in Africa 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 quick knockout of Dillian Whyte in August, extending his unbeaten record to 13 victories with 11 stoppage wins.
In the aftermath of that stunning win, Itauma was connected to fights with several top contenders.
His team explored a December bout, with veteran Chisora indicating they might appear together 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.
WBA 'regular' champion Kubrat Pulev was mandated to defend his title against Itauma on October 14th, but the veteran has revealed intentions 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 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 champion dismissed those speculations earlier this month.
As for Chisora, he appeared on stage at the O2 Arena alongside other heavyweight contenders 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?
Forecasting Tyson Fury's future has always been challenging.
The former world champion declared his retirement in winter after suffering a second defeat to Usyk a few weeks prior.
Over the recent months, Fury has hinted at returns then changed his mind.
Fury has spoken of a desire to get in the ring with Joshua before claiming he's accomplished all his goals 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 veteran attended Wardley's victory against friend and training partner Parker—and that might have whet his appetite.