The Future for the Heavyweight Division After Wardley's Victory?

The British boxer Fabio Wardley has propelled himself into the world title picture after a surprising late-round knockout win against Joseph Parker at the O2 Arena in London.

The remarkable win extended Wardley's undefeated record to 21 fights—20 wins and a draw—with an impressive 19 stoppages.

Wardley also took Parker's interim WBO championship and is now positioned for a life-changing opportunity against unbeaten unified titleholder 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?

Will Usyk Fight Wardley?

The champion impressed again when defeating Daniel Dubois by stoppage to become a repeat undisputed heavyweight titleholder in July.

Shortly after that win, the WBO ordered the veteran fighter to start talks 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.

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 face his mandatory opponent, but could do so soon following Wardley's victory.

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 stated after the fight.

The ex-cruiserweight titleholder may even choose to avoid Wardley.

If he does, the organization might strip him of the title and upgrade Wardley to champion.

If that situation unfolds 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 29 November when Frazer Clarke and Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva meet at Derby's Vaillant Arena.

The fight was initially planned for 25 October before TKV picked up 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 veteran underwent elbow surgery in May and there have been murmurs about a possible date in December.

Promoter Eddie Hearn said it's "uncertain if he'll have a tune-up bout this year", but also suggested Joshua might appear on an event 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 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.

When Could Itauma Fight Next?

Young prospect Moses Itauma is the UK's promising heavyweight talent—but the 20-year-old is yet to finalise his next contest.

Itauma boosted his standing with a first-round stoppage of Dillian Whyte in late summer, extending his unbeaten record to 13 victories with 11 knockouts.

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 13 December in Manchester.

But that schedule is uncertain for the fighter from Chatham, who is learning the hard way about boxing politics.

Titleholder Kubrat Pulev was ordered to defend his belt against Itauma on 14 October, but the veteran has revealed intentions to fight opponent Murat Gassiev on December 12th.

The mandate gives both camps 30 days to reach agreement.

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 suggested as a potential opponent for undisputed champion Usyk, but the champion dismissed those speculations earlier this month.

As for Chisora, he was present at the O2 Arena alongside fellow British heavyweight Whyte and American Jarrell Miller 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 losing against Usyk for a second time a few weeks prior.

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 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 could have sparked his interest.

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