What's Next for the Heavyweight Boxing Scene After Wardley's Victory?

Fabio Wardley has thrust 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 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 positioned for a life-changing opportunity against undefeated unified titleholder the Ukrainian champion Oleksandr Usyk.

But is Wardley likely to face at the reigning two-division champion?

Which bouts are scheduled? And what matchups could materialize?

Is a Usyk-Wardley Bout Likely?

Usyk once again dazzled when stopping Daniel Dubois to become a repeat undisputed heavyweight titleholder in the summer.

Shortly after that win, the WBO ordered the veteran fighter to start talks for a title defense against his mandatory opponent Parker.

But the fighter suffered a back issue 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 governing body hasn't issued a new order for Usyk to face his mandatory opponent, 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.

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 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 closing months of next year.

There is a UK heavyweight championship fight on 29 November when Frazer Clarke faces Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva 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 first event in a new partnership 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 been absent since his brutal fifth-round loss at the hands of compatriot Daniel Dubois in autumn 2024.

The 36-year-old had elbow surgery in spring 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," 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 expressed desire to compete in Africa, but it is doubtful he'll appear on Matchroom's expected card in Ghana on December 20th.

His aspiration to box in Africa may have to wait until February.

When Could Itauma Fight Next?

Rising star Moses Itauma is the UK's promising heavyweight talent—but the young fighter hasn't confirmed his next bout.

Itauma boosted his standing with a quick knockout of Dillian Whyte in late summer, extending his perfect record to 13 wins 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 veteran Chisora indicating they might appear together on 13 December in Manchester.

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

Titleholder Kubrat Pulev was ordered to defend his belt against Itauma on October 14th, but the 44 year-old has announced plans to fight Russian Murat Gassiev on 12 December.

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 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 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?

Predicting what happens next for Tyson Fury 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 past nine months, Fury has hinted at returns then changed his mind.

Fury has spoken of a desire to get in the ring with Joshua before stating he has achieved everything he wanted to and is happy to stay on the other side of the ropes.

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 could have sparked his interest.

Jacqueline White
Jacqueline White

A digital strategist with over a decade of experience in SEO and content marketing, passionate about helping businesses thrive online.