What Lies Ahead for the Heavyweight Boxing Scene After Wardley's Victory?
Fabio Wardley has propelled himself into the world title picture after a stunning 11th-round stoppage win against Joseph Parker at the O2 Arena in London.
This impressive victory extended Wardley's unbeaten streak to 21 professional bouts—20 wins and a draw—with an impressive 19 stoppages.
Wardley also took Parker's interim WBO championship and is now in line for a life-changing opportunity against undefeated undisputed champion the Ukrainian champion Oleksandr Usyk.
But will Wardley get his shot at the reigning two-division champion?
What other fights are happening? And what other bouts might be possible?
Will Usyk Fight Wardley?
Usyk once again dazzled when defeating Daniel Dubois by stoppage to become a repeat undisputed heavyweight titleholder in the summer.
Shortly after that win, the World Boxing Organization mandated the 38-year-old to begin negotiations for a defense against mandatory challenger 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 did not plan to step back into the ring in 2025.
The governing body hasn't issued a new order for Usyk to face his mandatory opponent, 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 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.
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 UK heavyweight championship fight on November 29th when Frazer Clarke and Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva meet at the Vaillant Arena in Derby.
The bout was originally scheduled for 25 October before Tshikeva suffered an injury.
The rescheduled event will be broadcast 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 36-year-old had elbow surgery in May and there have been rumors of a potential December return.
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 the West Coast in 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 made clear his intention to fight 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 wait until February.
What's Next for Moses Itauma?
Young prospect 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 perfect record to 13 wins with 11 stoppage wins.
In the wake of that impressive victory, Itauma was linked with bouts against Filip Hrgovic, Michael Hunter and domestic rival David Adeleye.
Team Itauma were considering a fight in December, with Derek Chisora suggesting he would share a card on a December date in Manchester.
But that schedule is uncertain for the Chatham heavyweight, who is learning the hard way about boxing politics.
WBA 'regular' champion Kubrat Pulev was mandated to defend his title against Itauma on 14 October, but the 44 year-old has announced plans to fight Russian Murat Gassiev on 12 December.
The WBA order means both sides have 30 days to negotiate a deal.
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 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 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 never been easy.
The former world champion declared his retirement in January after losing against Usyk for a second time a few weeks prior.
Over the past nine months, Fury has hinted at returns then changed his mind.
Fury has expressed interest in fighting Joshua before claiming he's accomplished all his goals and is content to remain outside the ring.
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.