What Lies Ahead for the Heavyweight Boxing Scene After Wardley's Victory?

Fabio Wardley has thrust himself into the heavyweight title conversation after a surprising late-round knockout win against former champion Joseph Parker at London's O2 Arena.

This impressive victory extended Wardley's unbeaten streak to 21 professional bouts—20 victories and one 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 undefeated undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk.

But will Wardley get his shot at the reigning two-division champion?

What other fights are happening? And what other bouts might be possible?

Is a Usyk-Wardley Bout Likely?

The champion impressed again when defeating Daniel Dubois by stoppage to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion in July.

Shortly after that win, the WBO ordered the 38-year-old to begin negotiations for a title defense against his mandatory opponent Parker.

But the fighter suffered a back issue and was given additional time 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 negotiate with his mandatory challenger, but might act shortly following Wardley's win.

Wardley was vocal about wanting to fight the titleholder next after his recent victory.

"I have one thing to say - Usyk, Usyk," he stated after the fight.

Former cruiserweight champion Usyk may even choose to avoid Wardley.

If he does, the organization might strip him of the title and elevate Wardley to champion status.

If that scenario plays out then ex-IBF titleholder Dubois could emerge as a potential opponent 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 UK heavyweight championship fight on 29 November when Frazer Clarke and Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva meet at Derby's Vaillant Arena.

The fight was initially planned for October 25th before Tshikeva suffered 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 fight community anticipates updates 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 September 2024.

The 36-year-old had elbow surgery in spring and there have been rumors of a potential December return.

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 event in Saudi Arabia on 27 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 expressed desire to compete in Africa, but it is unlikely he will feature on the anticipated Ghana event on 20 December.

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 20-year-old is yet to finalise his next contest.

Itauma further enhanced his reputation with a quick knockout of Dillian Whyte in August, extending his perfect record to 13 wins with 11 stoppage wins.

In the aftermath of that stunning win, Itauma was connected to fights with Filip Hrgovic, Michael Hunter and domestic rival David Adeleye.

His team explored a December bout, with veteran Chisora indicating they might appear together on 13 December in Manchester.

But that schedule is uncertain for the Chatham heavyweight, who is discovering the complexities of boxing negotiations.

Titleholder Kubrat Pulev was mandated to defend his title against Itauma on October 14th, but the 44 year-old has announced plans to fight opponent Murat Gassiev on December 12th.

The mandate gives both camps 30 days to reach agreement.

Promoter Frank Warren, who promotes 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 champion dismissed those speculations earlier this month.

As for Chisora, he was present 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?

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 few weeks prior.

Over the past nine months, Fury has teased comebacks and then subsequently backtracked.

Fury has spoken of a desire to get in the ring with 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 veteran attended Wardley's victory against associate and sparring partner Parker—and that could have sparked his interest.

Toni Sullivan
Toni Sullivan

A tech enthusiast and digital strategist with over a decade of experience in driving innovation and growth for businesses.