🔗 Share this article The Future for the Heavyweight Boxing Scene After Wardley's Victory? Fabio Wardley has thrust himself into the heavyweight title conversation after a stunning 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 notable 19 knockout wins. Wardley also captured Parker's interim WBO championship and is now in line for a career-defining chance against unbeaten unified titleholder Oleksandr Usyk. But is Wardley likely to face at the reigning two-division champion? What other fights are happening? And what matchups could materialize? Will Usyk Fight Wardley? The champion impressed again when stopping Daniel Dubois to become a repeat undisputed heavyweight titleholder in July. Just five days after that victory, the WBO ordered the 38-year-old to start talks for a defense against mandatory challenger Parker. But the Ukrainian sustained a back injury and was given additional time to negotiate with Parker's camp. Usyk said earlier this month 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 negotiate with his mandatory challenger, but might act shortly following Wardley's win. Wardley made no secret of his desire 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 organization might strip him of the title and upgrade Wardley to champion. If that scenario plays out then ex-IBF titleholder Dubois could emerge as a potential opponent for Wardley. What Fights Do We Know Are Happening? With Usyk yet to make his next move, the heavyweight division has been on pause. There are no major championship bouts scheduled in the closing months of next year. There is a British heavyweight title contest on November 29th when Frazer Clarke faces Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva at Derby's Vaillant Arena. The bout was originally scheduled for 25 October before Tshikeva suffered an injury. The rescheduled event will be broadcast on television and streaming platforms, marking the first event in a new partnership between BBC Sport and Boxxer. When Is Anthony Joshua's Next Bout? 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 compatriot Daniel Dubois in September 2024. The veteran underwent elbow surgery in spring and there have been rumors of a potential December return. 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 the West Coast in 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 20 December. 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 young fighter hasn't confirmed his next bout. Itauma boosted his standing 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 Filip Hrgovic, Michael Hunter and domestic rival David Adeleye. Team Itauma were considering a fight in December, 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 October 14th, but the veteran has revealed intentions to fight opponent Murat Gassiev on December 12th. 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 suggested as a potential opponent for undisputed champion Usyk, but the Ukrainian downplayed those rumours earlier this month. As for Chisora, he was present 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". Has Tyson Fury Actually 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 month earlier. Over the recent months, Fury has hinted at returns then changed his mind. Fury has expressed interest in fighting Joshua before stating he has achieved everything he wanted to 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 37-year-old was ringside to watch Wardley's win against friend and training partner Parker—and that could have sparked his interest.