🔗 Share this article What Lies Ahead for the Heavyweight Division After Wardley's Victory? The British boxer Fabio Wardley has thrust himself into the world title picture after a shocking late-round knockout win against Joseph Parker at the O2 Arena in London. This impressive victory extended Wardley's unbeaten streak to 21 professional bouts—20 wins and a draw—with an notable 19 knockout wins. Wardley also captured Parker's WBO 'interim' title and is now positioned for a life-changing opportunity against unbeaten unified titleholder the Ukrainian champion Oleksandr Usyk. But will Wardley get his shot at the undefeated two-weight undisputed champion? Which bouts are scheduled? And what other bouts might be possible? Is a Usyk-Wardley Bout Likely? The champion impressed again when stopping Daniel Dubois to become a repeat undisputed heavyweight titleholder in the summer. Just five days after that victory, the WBO ordered the veteran fighter to begin negotiations for a title defense against his mandatory opponent Parker. But the fighter suffered a back issue and was granted an extended period to negotiate with Parker's camp. Usyk said earlier this month 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 win. 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 stated after the fight. The ex-cruiserweight titleholder 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 scenario plays out then ex-IBF titleholder Dubois could become a possible contender for Wardley. Which Bouts Are Confirmed? With Usyk yet to make his next move, the heavyweight division has been on pause. There are no major championship bouts scheduled 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 Derby's Vaillant Arena. The bout was originally scheduled for 25 October before Tshikeva suffered an injury. The rescheduled event will be broadcast 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 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. 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 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 doubtful he'll appear on Matchroom's expected card in Ghana on 20 December. His dream of fighting on the continent 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 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 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 a December date 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 ordered to defend his belt against Itauma on October 14th, but the veteran has revealed intentions to fight Russian Murat Gassiev on December 12th. The WBA order means both sides have 30 days to negotiate a deal. Queensberry's 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 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 fellow British heavyweight Whyte and American Jarrell Miller 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 never been easy. The former world champion announced his retirement in January after suffering a second defeat to Usyk 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 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 37-year-old was ringside to watch Wardley's win against friend and training partner Parker—and that could have sparked his interest.