What Lies Ahead for the Heavyweight Boxing Scene After Wardley's Victory?
Fabio Wardley has propelled himself into the world title picture after a shocking 11th-round stoppage win against former champion Joseph Parker at the O2 Arena in London.
The remarkable win extended Wardley's unbeaten streak to 21 fights—20 wins and a draw—with an notable 19 knockout wins.
Wardley also captured Parker's interim WBO championship and is now positioned for a career-defining chance against unbeaten unified titleholder Oleksandr Usyk.
But is Wardley likely to face at the undefeated two-weight undisputed champion?
Which bouts are scheduled? And what matchups could materialize?
Will Usyk Fight Wardley?
Usyk once again dazzled 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 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 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 face his mandatory opponent, but might act shortly following Wardley's win.
Wardley was vocal about wanting to fight the titleholder 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 scenario plays out then former IBF champion Dubois could become a possible contender for Wardley.
Which Bouts Are Confirmed?
With Usyk yet to make his next move, the heavyweight scene has stalled.
There are no world-level fights on the agenda in the closing months of next year.
There is a UK heavyweight championship fight on November 29th when Frazer Clarke faces Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva at the Vaillant Arena in Derby.
The fight was initially planned for 25 October before TKV picked up an injury.
The rescheduled event will be broadcast 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 fight community anticipates updates on a bout schedule for former champion Anthony Joshua.
Joshua has been absent since his brutal fifth-round loss at the hands of fellow Briton Dubois in autumn 2024.
The 36-year-old had 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 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," 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 made clear his intention to fight in Africa, but it is unlikely he will feature on the anticipated Ghana event on December 20th.
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 young fighter hasn't confirmed his next bout.
Itauma boosted his standing with a quick knockout of Dillian Whyte in late summer, extending his unbeaten record to 13 victories with 11 stoppage wins.
In the aftermath of that stunning win, Itauma was linked with bouts against several top contenders.
Team Itauma were considering a fight in December, with Derek Chisora suggesting he would share a card on 13 December in Manchester.
But that date is now in doubt for the Chatham heavyweight, who is discovering the complexities of boxing negotiations.
Titleholder Kubrat Pulev was ordered to defend his belt against Itauma on October 14th, but the 44 year-old has announced plans to fight opponent Murat Gassiev on 12 December.
The mandate gives both camps 30 days to reach agreement.
Queensberry's Frank Warren, who promotes Itauma, told media outlets that "Pulev has to fight Moses next with London and Manchester possible host cities".
Itauma has also been mentioned as a possible challenger for the unified champion, but the champion dismissed those speculations earlier this month.
As for the veteran Chisora, he was present at the O2 Arena alongside other heavyweight contenders before Wardley's win over Parker.
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".
Is Fury Really Retired?
Forecasting Tyson Fury's future 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 recent months, Fury has teased comebacks and then subsequently backtracked.
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.