What's Next for the Heavyweight Boxing Scene 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 London's O2 Arena.

This impressive victory extended Wardley's unbeaten streak to 21 fights—20 victories and one draw—with an impressive 19 stoppages.

Wardley also claimed Parker's interim WBO championship and is now in line for a life-changing opportunity 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?

Is a Usyk-Wardley Bout Likely?

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

Just five days after that victory, the World Boxing Organization mandated the veteran fighter to start talks 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.

The champion stated recently 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 might act shortly following Wardley's win.

Wardley made no secret of his desire to face the champion 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 situation unfolds then former IBF champion 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 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 November 29th when Frazer Clarke faces Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva at the Vaillant Arena in Derby.

The bout was originally scheduled for October 25th before TKV picked up an injury.

The rearranged card will be shown live on television and streaming platforms, marking the inaugural show in a fresh collaboration between BBC Sport and Boxxer.

When Will Joshua Fight Next?

The fight community anticipates updates 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 36-year-old had elbow surgery in spring and there have been murmurs about a possible date in December.

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 expressed desire to compete in Africa, but it is doubtful he'll appear on Matchroom's expected card in Ghana on December 20th.

His aspiration to box in Africa may have to be postponed until early next year.

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 first-round stoppage of Dillian Whyte in August, extending his perfect record to 13 wins with 11 knockouts.

In the aftermath of that stunning win, Itauma was linked with bouts against several top contenders.

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 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 veteran has revealed intentions to fight Russian Murat Gassiev on December 12th.

The mandate gives both camps 30 days to reach agreement.

Queensberry's 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 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".

Is Fury Really Retired?

Forecasting Tyson Fury's future has always been challenging.

The two-time heavyweight champion declared his retirement in January after suffering a second defeat to Usyk a month earlier.

Over the recent months, Fury has hinted at returns then changed his mind.

Fury has expressed interest in fighting 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 interview on FurociTV, Fury said there was "no actual reason for me to go back in the boxing ring".

But the veteran attended Wardley's victory against friend and training partner Parker—and that could have sparked his interest.

Leslie Carter
Leslie Carter

A seasoned IT consultant with over 15 years of experience in enterprise technology solutions and digital innovation.