🔗 Share this article What's Next for the Heavyweight Division After Wardley's Victory? The British boxer Fabio Wardley has propelled himself into the world title picture after a surprising 11th-round stoppage win against former champion Joseph Parker at London's O2 Arena. The remarkable win extended Wardley's undefeated record to 21 professional bouts—20 wins and a draw—with an notable 19 knockout wins. Wardley also claimed Parker's WBO 'interim' title and is now in line for a career-defining chance against unbeaten undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk. But will Wardley get his shot at the reigning two-division champion? Which bouts are scheduled? And what other bouts might be possible? Will Usyk Fight Wardley? Usyk once again dazzled when defeating Daniel Dubois by stoppage to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion in July. Shortly after that win, 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 granted an extended period to negotiate with Parker's camp. Usyk said earlier this month he planned to continue boxing for two more 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 could do so soon 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 stated after the fight. The ex-cruiserweight titleholder 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 become a possible contender for Wardley. What Fights Do We Know Are Happening? With Usyk yet to make his next move, 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 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 television and streaming platforms, 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 British star Anthony Joshua. Joshua has not fought since his devastating fifth-round knockout defeat at the hands of fellow Briton Dubois in autumn 2024. The veteran underwent elbow surgery in spring 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 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 expressed desire to compete in Africa, but it is doubtful he'll appear on the anticipated Ghana event on December 20th. His aspiration to box in Africa may have to wait until February. When Could Itauma Fight Next? Young prospect Moses Itauma is the UK's promising heavyweight talent—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 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 schedule is uncertain for the fighter from Chatham, who is learning the hard way about boxing politics. WBA 'regular' champion Kubrat Pulev was mandated to defend his title against Itauma on October 14th, but the 44 year-old has announced plans to fight Russian Murat Gassiev on 12 December. The mandate gives both camps 30 days to reach agreement. Queensberry's 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 fellow British heavyweight Whyte and American Jarrell Miller 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? Forecasting Tyson Fury's future has always been challenging. The two-time heavyweight champion announced his retirement in January 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 stating he has achieved everything he wanted to 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 might have whet his appetite.