What Lies Ahead for the Heavyweight Boxing Scene After Wardley's Big Win?
Fabio Wardley has propelled himself into the heavyweight title conversation after a shocking 11th-round stoppage win against Joseph Parker at London's O2 Arena.
This impressive victory extended Wardley's unbeaten streak to 21 fights—20 wins and a draw—with an impressive 19 stoppages.
Wardley also claimed Parker's interim WBO championship and is now in line for a life-changing opportunity against unbeaten undisputed champion the Ukrainian champion Oleksandr Usyk.
But is Wardley likely to face at the reigning two-division champion?
What other fights are happening? And what other bouts might be possible?
Will Usyk Fight Wardley?
Usyk once again dazzled when stopping Daniel Dubois to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion in July.
Shortly after that win, 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 given additional time 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 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 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 WBO could force him to vacate their belt and upgrade Wardley to champion.
If that situation unfolds then former IBF champion Dubois could become a possible contender for Wardley.
What Fights Do We Know Are Happening?
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 rearranged card will be shown live on BBC Two and iPlayer, marking the first event in a new partnership between the broadcaster and promotion company.
When Is Anthony Joshua's Next Bout?
The boxing world is waiting for news on a fight date for two-time heavyweight champion British star Anthony Joshua.
Joshua has been absent since his brutal fifth-round loss at the hands of compatriot Daniel Dubois in autumn 2024.
The veteran underwent elbow surgery in spring and there have been murmurs about a possible date in December.
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 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?
Young prospect 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 quick knockout of Dillian Whyte in August, extending his perfect record to 13 wins with 11 stoppage wins.
In the aftermath of that stunning win, Itauma was linked with bouts against 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 schedule is uncertain for the Chatham heavyweight, who is learning the hard way about boxing politics.
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 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 Ukrainian downplayed those rumours earlier this month.
As for the veteran Chisora, he was present 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 two-time heavyweight champion announced his retirement in winter after suffering a second defeat to Usyk a month earlier.
Over the recent months, Fury has hinted at returns then changed his mind.
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 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 associate and sparring partner Parker—and that might have whet his appetite.