What Lies Ahead for the Heavyweight Division After Wardley's Victory?
Fabio Wardley has propelled himself into the heavyweight title conversation after a stunning 11th-round stoppage win against former champion Joseph Parker at the O2 Arena in London.
This impressive victory extended Wardley's unbeaten streak to 21 fights—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 life-changing opportunity against undefeated undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk.
But will Wardley get his shot at the reigning two-division champion?
What other fights are happening? And what matchups could materialize?
Will Usyk Fight Wardley?
Usyk once again dazzled when stopping Daniel Dubois to become a repeat undisputed heavyweight titleholder in July.
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 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 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 WBO could force him to vacate their belt and elevate Wardley to champion status.
If that situation unfolds then former IBF champion Dubois could emerge as a potential opponent for Wardley.
Which Bouts Are Confirmed?
With the champion still deciding his next fight, the heavyweight division has been on pause.
There are no major championship bouts scheduled in the final two months of 2025.
There is a British heavyweight title contest 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 first event in a new partnership between BBC Sport and Boxxer.
When Will Joshua Fight Next?
The fight community anticipates updates on a fight date for two-time heavyweight 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 spring and there have been rumors of a potential December return.
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 show in the Middle East late 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 made clear his intention to fight in Africa, but it is unlikely he will feature on Matchroom's expected card in Ghana on 20 December.
His dream of fighting on the continent may have to be postponed until early next year.
When Could Itauma Fight Next?
Young prospect Moses Itauma is Britain's next great heavyweight hope—but the young fighter hasn't confirmed his next bout.
Itauma further enhanced his reputation with a quick knockout of Dillian Whyte in late summer, extending his perfect record to 13 wins with 11 stoppage wins.
In the aftermath of that stunning win, Itauma was linked with bouts against 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 learning the hard way about boxing politics.
WBA 'regular' champion Kubrat Pulev was ordered to defend his belt against Itauma on 14 October, but the veteran has revealed intentions to fight Russian Murat Gassiev on December 12th.
The WBA order means both sides have 30 days to negotiate a deal.
Queensberry's 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 Ukrainian downplayed those rumours earlier this month.
As for 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 always been challenging.
The two-time heavyweight champion declared his retirement in January 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 37-year-old was ringside to watch Wardley's win against friend and training partner Parker—and that might have whet his appetite.