What Lies Ahead for the Heavyweight Division After Wardley's Big Win?

The British boxer Fabio Wardley has propelled himself into the heavyweight title conversation 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 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 Oleksandr Usyk.

But is Wardley likely to face at the undefeated two-weight undisputed champion?

Which bouts are scheduled? 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 July.

Just five days after that victory, the World Boxing Organization mandated 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 begin talks with Parker's team.

The champion stated recently he planned to continue boxing for two more 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 was vocal about wanting 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 decide to swerve Wardley.

If he does, the WBO could force him to vacate their belt and elevate Wardley to champion status.

If that situation unfolds 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 division has been on pause.

There are no world-level fights on the agenda 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 the Vaillant Arena in Derby.

The bout was originally scheduled 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 BBC Sport and Boxxer.

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 murmurs about a possible date in December.

Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn said it's "uncertain if he'll have a tune-up bout this year", but also hinted Joshua could be added to a card 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 unlikely he will feature on Matchroom's expected card in Ghana on December 20th.

His dream of fighting on the continent may have to be postponed until early next year.

When Could Itauma Fight Next?

Young prospect Moses Itauma is Britain's next great heavyweight hope—but the young fighter hasn't confirmed his next bout.

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 Derek Chisora suggesting he would share a card on a December date in Manchester.

But that date is now in doubt for the Chatham heavyweight, who is learning the hard way about boxing politics.

WBA 'regular' champion Kubrat Pulev was ordered to defend his belt against Itauma on October 14th, 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 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 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 never been easy.

The former world champion announced his retirement in winter after suffering a second defeat to Usyk 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 happy to stay on the other side of the ropes.

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 could have sparked his interest.

Jonathon Elliott
Jonathon Elliott

A seasoned business strategist and tech enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in digital transformation and market analysis.