What Lies Ahead for the Heavyweight Division After Wardley's Victory?
Fabio Wardley has catapulted himself into the heavyweight title conversation after a shocking late-round knockout win against Joseph Parker at the O2 Arena in London.
The remarkable win extended Wardley's undefeated record to 21 fights—20 wins and a draw—with an impressive 19 stoppages.
Wardley also took Parker's WBO 'interim' title and is now positioned for a life-changing opportunity against undefeated undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk.
But is Wardley likely to face at the reigning two-division 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 two-time undisputed heavyweight champion in the summer.
Shortly after that win, the WBO ordered the veteran fighter to begin negotiations for a defense against mandatory challenger Parker.
But the Ukrainian sustained a back injury and was granted an extended period to negotiate with Parker's camp.
The champion stated recently 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 face the champion next after his latest win.
"I have one thing to say - Usyk, Usyk," he said in his post-fight interview.
The ex-cruiserweight titleholder may even decide to swerve Wardley.
If he does, the organization might strip him of the title and upgrade Wardley to champion.
If that scenario plays out then former IBF champion Dubois could become a possible contender 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 closing months of next year.
There is a UK heavyweight championship fight 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 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 fight community anticipates updates on a fight date for two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua.
Joshua has not fought since his devastating fifth-round knockout defeat at the hands of fellow Briton Dubois in September 2024.
The veteran underwent elbow surgery in May and there have been murmurs about a possible date in December.
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," 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 Matchroom's expected card in Ghana on 20 December.
His aspiration to box in Africa may have to wait until February.
When Could Itauma Fight Next?
Rising star Moses Itauma is Britain's next great heavyweight hope—but the young fighter hasn't confirmed his next bout.
Itauma boosted his standing with a quick knockout of Dillian Whyte in August, extending his perfect record to 13 wins with 11 knockouts.
In the aftermath of that stunning win, Itauma was connected to fights with several top contenders.
Team Itauma were considering a fight in December, with veteran Chisora indicating they might appear together on 13 December in Manchester.
But that date is now in doubt 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 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 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?
Predicting what happens next for Tyson Fury 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 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 veteran attended Wardley's victory against associate and sparring partner Parker—and that could have sparked his interest.