🔗 Share this article What Lies Ahead for the Heavyweight Division After Wardley's Victory? Fabio Wardley has thrust himself into the heavyweight title conversation 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 victories and one draw—with an notable 19 knockout wins. Wardley also took Parker's interim WBO championship and is now in line for a life-changing opportunity 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 matchups could materialize? Will Usyk Fight Wardley? The champion impressed again when stopping Daniel Dubois to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion in the summer. Just five days after that victory, the World Boxing Organization mandated the veteran fighter to start talks for a title defense against his mandatory opponent Parker. But the Ukrainian sustained a back injury and was given additional time to negotiate with Parker's camp. The champion stated recently he wanted to fight for another two 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 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 said in his post-fight interview. 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 former IBF champion Dubois could become a possible contender for Wardley. Which Bouts Are Confirmed? With the champion still deciding his next fight, the heavyweight scene has stalled. There are no major championship bouts scheduled in the final two months of 2025. There is a British heavyweight title contest on 29 November when Frazer Clarke and Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva meet at Derby's Vaillant Arena. The bout was originally scheduled for October 25th before TKV picked up an injury. The rearranged card will be shown live on BBC Two and iPlayer, marking the inaugural show in a fresh collaboration between the broadcaster and promotion company. When Is Anthony Joshua's Next Bout? The boxing world is waiting for news 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 September 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 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," 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 expressed desire to compete in Africa, but it is doubtful he'll appear on the anticipated Ghana event on December 20th. His aspiration to box in Africa may have to be postponed until early next year. 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 knockouts. In the wake of that impressive victory, Itauma was linked with bouts against several top contenders. Team Itauma were considering a fight in December, with veteran Chisora indicating they might appear together on 13 December in Manchester. But that date is now in doubt for the fighter from Chatham, who is discovering the complexities of boxing negotiations. WBA 'regular' champion 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 WBA order means both sides have 30 days to negotiate a deal. Promoter 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 mentioned as a possible challenger for the unified champion, but the Ukrainian downplayed those rumours earlier this month. As for the veteran Chisora, he appeared on stage 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 January 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 stating he has achieved everything he wanted to 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 veteran attended Wardley's victory against associate and sparring partner Parker—and that could have sparked his interest.