The Future for the Heavyweight Division After Wardley's Victory?
The British boxer Fabio Wardley has thrust himself into the heavyweight title conversation after a stunning 11th-round stoppage win against Joseph Parker at London's O2 Arena.
This impressive victory extended Wardley's unbeaten streak to 21 fights—20 victories and one draw—with an notable 19 knockout wins.
Wardley also took Parker's interim WBO championship and is now positioned for a career-defining chance against unbeaten undisputed champion 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 stopping Daniel Dubois to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion in July.
Shortly after that win, the World Boxing Organization mandated the 38-year-old to begin negotiations for a defense against mandatory challenger Parker.
But the Ukrainian sustained a back injury and was given additional time to begin talks with Parker's team.
The champion stated recently he wanted to fight for another two years but did not plan to step back into the ring in 2025.
The governing body hasn't issued a new order for Usyk to negotiate with his mandatory challenger, but could do so soon following Wardley's win.
Wardley was vocal about wanting to face the champion next after his recent victory.
"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 WBO could force him to vacate their belt and upgrade Wardley to champion.
If that scenario plays out then ex-IBF titleholder Dubois could become a possible contender for Wardley.
Which Bouts Are Confirmed?
With the champion still deciding his next fight, the heavyweight division has been on pause.
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 faces Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva at the Vaillant Arena in Derby.
The fight was initially planned for October 25th before Tshikeva suffered an injury.
The rearranged card will be shown live on television and streaming platforms, marking the first event in a new partnership between the broadcaster and promotion company.
When Is Anthony Joshua's Next Bout?
The fight community anticipates updates on a bout schedule for former champion British star Anthony Joshua.
Joshua has not fought since his devastating fifth-round knockout defeat at the hands of compatriot Daniel Dubois in autumn 2024.
The veteran underwent elbow surgery in May and there have been rumors of a potential December return.
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," 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 unlikely he will feature on Matchroom's expected card in Ghana on December 20th.
His aspiration to box in Africa may have to wait until February.
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 further enhanced his reputation 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 Filip Hrgovic, Michael Hunter and domestic rival David Adeleye.
Team Itauma were considering a fight in December, with Derek Chisora suggesting he would share a card on 13 December in Manchester.
But that date is now in doubt for the Chatham heavyweight, who is discovering the complexities of boxing negotiations.
Titleholder 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 December 12th.
The mandate gives both camps 30 days to reach agreement.
Promoter Frank Warren, who promotes Itauma, told media outlets 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 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".
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 teased comebacks and then subsequently backtracked.
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 media appearance, 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.