🔗 Share this article What Lies Ahead for the Heavyweight Division After Wardley's Victory? Fabio Wardley has catapulted himself into the world title picture after a stunning 11th-round stoppage win against Joseph Parker at London's O2 Arena. The remarkable win extended Wardley's unbeaten streak to 21 professional bouts—20 victories and one draw—with an notable 19 knockout wins. Wardley also captured Parker's WBO 'interim' title and is now in line for a career-defining chance against unbeaten 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? 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 Ukrainian sustained a back injury and was given additional time to negotiate with Parker's camp. Usyk said earlier this month he wanted to fight for another two years but had no intention of fighting next year. The governing body hasn't issued a new order for Usyk to negotiate with his mandatory challenger, but could do so soon following Wardley's victory. Wardley made no secret of his desire to fight the titleholder 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. What Fights Do We Know Are Happening? With the champion still deciding his next fight, the heavyweight division has been on pause. There are no major championship bouts scheduled 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 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 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 compatriot Daniel Dubois in September 2024. The 36-year-old had elbow surgery in spring and there have been rumors of a potential December return. 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 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 20 December. His dream of fighting on the continent may have to be postponed until early next year. When Could Itauma Fight Next? 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 August, extending his perfect record to 13 wins with 11 knockouts. In the aftermath of that stunning win, Itauma was connected to fights with Filip Hrgovic, Michael Hunter and domestic rival David Adeleye. 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 Chatham heavyweight, who is discovering the complexities of boxing negotiations. WBA 'regular' champion Kubrat Pulev was ordered to defend his belt against Itauma on 14 October, but the veteran has revealed intentions 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 suggested as a potential opponent for undisputed champion Usyk, 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 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". 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 month earlier. Over the recent 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 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.