The Future 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 shocking late-round knockout win against former champion Joseph Parker at the O2 Arena in London.
This impressive victory extended Wardley's undefeated record to 21 fights—20 wins and a draw—with an impressive 19 stoppages.
Wardley also captured Parker's interim WBO championship and is now in line for a life-changing opportunity against unbeaten undisputed champion the Ukrainian champion Oleksandr Usyk.
But is Wardley likely to face at the undefeated two-weight undisputed champion?
What other fights are happening? And what matchups could materialize?
Is a Usyk-Wardley Bout Likely?
Usyk once again dazzled when defeating Daniel Dubois by stoppage to become a repeat undisputed heavyweight titleholder in the summer.
Just five days after that victory, the World Boxing Organization mandated the veteran fighter to begin negotiations for a title defense against his mandatory opponent Parker.
But the Ukrainian sustained a back injury and was given additional time to begin talks with Parker's team.
Usyk said earlier this month he wanted to fight for another two years but did not plan to step back into the ring in 2025.
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 was vocal about wanting to face the champion 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 WBO could force him to vacate their belt and elevate Wardley to champion status.
If that scenario plays out 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 world-level fights on the agenda in the final two months of 2025.
There is a UK heavyweight championship fight on November 29th 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 rescheduled event will be broadcast on television and streaming platforms, marking the first event in a new partnership between BBC Sport and Boxxer.
When Will Joshua Fight Next?
The fight community anticipates updates on a bout schedule for former champion Anthony Joshua.
Joshua has been absent since his brutal fifth-round loss at the hands of fellow Briton Dubois in September 2024.
The veteran underwent elbow surgery in May 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 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," 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 the anticipated Ghana event 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 first-round stoppage of Dillian Whyte in August, extending his unbeaten record to 13 victories with 11 knockouts.
In the wake of that impressive victory, Itauma was connected to fights with 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 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 14 October, but the 44 year-old has announced plans 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 Wardley's win over Parker.
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?
Predicting what happens next for Tyson Fury has always been challenging.
The two-time heavyweight champion announced his retirement in winter after losing against Usyk for a second time 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 claiming he's accomplished all his goals 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 associate and sparring partner Parker—and that might have whet his appetite.