What's Next for the Heavyweight Boxing Scene After Wardley's Victory?
The British boxer Fabio Wardley has catapulted himself into the heavyweight title conversation after a shocking 11th-round stoppage win against former champion Joseph Parker at the O2 Arena in London.
This impressive victory extended Wardley's unbeaten streak to 21 professional bouts—20 victories and one draw—with an notable 19 knockout wins.
Wardley also took Parker's interim WBO championship and is now positioned for a life-changing opportunity against unbeaten undisputed champion the Ukrainian champion Oleksandr Usyk.
But will Wardley get his shot at the reigning two-division champion?
Which bouts are scheduled? And what other bouts might be possible?
Is a Usyk-Wardley Bout Likely?
Usyk once again dazzled when stopping Daniel Dubois to become a repeat undisputed heavyweight titleholder in July.
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 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 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 could do so soon following Wardley's win.
Wardley made no secret of his desire to fight the titleholder 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 organization might strip him of the title and elevate Wardley to champion status.
If that scenario plays out then former IBF champion Dubois could emerge as a potential opponent for Wardley.
Which Bouts Are Confirmed?
With Usyk yet to make his next move, the heavyweight scene has stalled.
There are no major championship bouts scheduled in the closing months of next year.
There is a UK heavyweight championship fight on November 29th when Frazer Clarke and Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva meet at the Vaillant Arena in Derby.
The fight was initially planned for October 25th before Tshikeva suffered an injury.
The rearranged card will be shown live on television and streaming platforms, marking the inaugural show in a fresh collaboration between BBC Sport and Boxxer.
When Is Anthony Joshua's Next Bout?
The boxing world is waiting for news on a bout schedule for former champion British star 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 murmurs about a possible date in December.
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," 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 the anticipated Ghana event on December 20th.
His dream of fighting on the continent may have to wait until February.
What's Next for Moses Itauma?
Rising star Moses Itauma is the UK's promising heavyweight talent—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 stoppage wins.
In the wake of that impressive victory, Itauma was linked with bouts against 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 date is now in doubt for the Chatham heavyweight, who is discovering the complexities of boxing negotiations.
WBA 'regular' champion 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 December 12th.
The WBA order means both sides have 30 days to negotiate a deal.
Promoter 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 suggested as a potential opponent for undisputed champion Usyk, but the champion dismissed those speculations earlier this month.
As for the veteran Chisora, he was present at the O2 Arena alongside other heavyweight contenders 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".
Is Fury Really Retired?
Forecasting Tyson Fury's future has always been challenging.
The former world champion announced his retirement in winter 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 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 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 friend and training partner Parker—and that might have whet his appetite.