🔗 Share this article What's Next for the Heavyweight Boxing Scene After Wardley's Big Win? The British boxer Fabio Wardley has propelled himself into the world title picture after a stunning late-round knockout win against 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 notable 19 knockout wins. Wardley also claimed Parker's WBO 'interim' title and is now positioned for a career-defining chance against unbeaten 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 other bouts might be possible? Will Usyk Fight Wardley? The champion impressed again 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 fighter suffered a back issue and was given additional time to begin talks with Parker's team. 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 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. Former cruiserweight champion Usyk 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 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 world-level fights on the agenda in the final two months of 2025. There is a UK heavyweight championship fight on 29 November when Frazer Clarke and Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva meet at the Vaillant Arena in Derby. The fight was initially planned for 25 October before TKV picked up an injury. The rescheduled event will be broadcast on television and streaming platforms, marking the inaugural show in a fresh collaboration between BBC Sport and Boxxer. When Will Joshua Fight Next? 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 compatriot Daniel Dubois in autumn 2024. The veteran underwent elbow surgery in spring 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 show in the Middle East late 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 unlikely he will feature on the anticipated Ghana event on December 20th. His dream of fighting on the continent may have to be postponed until early next year. 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 boosted his standing with a first-round stoppage of Dillian Whyte in August, extending his unbeaten record to 13 victories with 11 knockouts. In the aftermath of that stunning win, Itauma was linked with bouts against several top contenders. Team Itauma were considering a fight in December, with Derek Chisora suggesting he would share a card on 13 December in Manchester. But that schedule is uncertain for the fighter from Chatham, who is learning the hard way about boxing politics. WBA 'regular' champion Kubrat Pulev was ordered to defend his belt against Itauma on 14 October, but the veteran has revealed intentions to fight Russian Murat Gassiev on 12 December. The mandate gives both camps 30 days to reach agreement. 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 Ukrainian downplayed those rumours 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". Has Tyson Fury Actually 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 recent months, Fury has hinted at returns then changed his mind. Fury has spoken of a desire to get in the ring with Joshua before claiming he's accomplished all his goals and is happy to stay on the other side of the ropes. 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 friend and training partner Parker—and that could have sparked his interest.