🔗 Share this article What Lies Ahead for the Heavyweight Division After Wardley's Victory? Fabio Wardley has propelled himself into the world title picture after a surprising late-round knockout win against Joseph Parker at the O2 Arena in London. The remarkable win extended Wardley's unbeaten streak to 21 professional bouts—20 wins and a draw—with an impressive 19 stoppages. Wardley also captured Parker's WBO 'interim' title and is now positioned for a career-defining chance against unbeaten undisputed champion the Ukrainian champion Oleksandr Usyk. But is Wardley likely to face at the reigning two-division champion? What other fights are happening? And what other bouts might be possible? Is a Usyk-Wardley Bout Likely? Usyk once again dazzled when stopping Daniel Dubois to become a repeat undisputed heavyweight titleholder in the summer. Shortly after that win, the WBO ordered 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 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 face his mandatory opponent, 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. The ex-cruiserweight titleholder 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 situation unfolds 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 major championship bouts scheduled in the final two months of 2025. There is a UK heavyweight championship fight on 29 November when Frazer Clarke faces Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva at the Vaillant Arena in Derby. 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 Will Joshua Fight Next? The boxing world is waiting for news 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 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 suggested Joshua might appear on an event 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," 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 made clear his intention to fight in Africa, but it is doubtful he'll appear on the anticipated Ghana event on 20 December. His dream of fighting on the continent may have to wait until February. What's Next for Moses Itauma? Young prospect Moses Itauma is Britain's next great heavyweight hope—but the 20-year-old is yet to finalise his next contest. Itauma boosted his standing with a first-round stoppage of Dillian Whyte in late summer, extending his unbeaten record to 13 victories with 11 stoppage wins. In the wake of that impressive victory, Itauma was connected to fights with Filip Hrgovic, Michael Hunter and domestic rival David Adeleye. His team explored a December bout, 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 discovering the complexities of boxing negotiations. WBA 'regular' champion Kubrat Pulev was mandated to defend his title against Itauma on 14 October, but the veteran has revealed intentions to fight opponent Murat Gassiev on 12 December. The mandate gives both camps 30 days to reach agreement. Promoter Frank Warren, who represents 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 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? Forecasting Tyson Fury's future has always been challenging. The two-time heavyweight champion declared his retirement in January after losing against Usyk for a second time a month earlier. Over the recent months, Fury has teased comebacks and then subsequently backtracked. Fury has expressed interest in fighting 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 associate and sparring partner Parker—and that might have whet his appetite.