What's Next for the Heavyweight Boxing Scene After Wardley's Victory?
Fabio Wardley has catapulted himself into the world title picture after a stunning late-round knockout win against former champion Joseph Parker at the O2 Arena in London.
This impressive victory extended Wardley's undefeated record to 21 professional bouts—20 victories and one draw—with an impressive 19 stoppages.
Wardley also took Parker's interim WBO championship and is now in line for a career-defining chance against unbeaten unified titleholder Oleksandr Usyk.
But will Wardley get his shot at the undefeated two-weight undisputed champion?
What other fights are happening? And what other bouts might be possible?
Is a Usyk-Wardley Bout Likely?
The champion impressed again when defeating Daniel Dubois by stoppage to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion in the summer.
Just five days after that victory, the World Boxing Organization mandated the veteran fighter to begin negotiations for a title defense against his mandatory opponent Parker.
But the fighter suffered a back issue 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 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 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 said in his post-fight interview.
Former cruiserweight champion Usyk may even decide to swerve Wardley.
If he does, the WBO could force him to vacate their belt and elevate Wardley to champion status.
If that situation unfolds then former IBF champion Dubois could become a possible contender 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 UK heavyweight championship fight on November 29th when Frazer Clarke faces Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva at the Vaillant Arena in Derby.
The fight was initially planned for 25 October before TKV picked up 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 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 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 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," 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 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?
Rising star 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 quick knockout of Dillian Whyte in August, extending his perfect record to 13 wins with 11 knockouts.
In the wake of that impressive victory, Itauma was connected to fights with Filip Hrgovic, Michael Hunter and domestic rival David Adeleye.
His team explored a December bout, 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 discovering the complexities of boxing negotiations.
WBA 'regular' champion Kubrat Pulev was mandated to defend his title against Itauma on 14 October, but the 44 year-old has announced plans to fight opponent Murat Gassiev on 12 December.
The WBA order means both sides have 30 days to negotiate a deal.
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 suggested as a potential opponent for undisputed champion Usyk, 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 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?
Forecasting Tyson Fury's future has always been challenging.
The two-time heavyweight champion declared his retirement in winter 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 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 37-year-old was ringside to watch Wardley's win against friend and training partner Parker—and that could have sparked his interest.