What's Next for the Heavyweight Boxing Scene After Wardley's Victory?

The British boxer Fabio Wardley has thrust himself into the heavyweight title conversation after a surprising 11th-round stoppage win against Joseph Parker at the O2 Arena in London.

This impressive victory extended Wardley's undefeated record to 21 professional bouts—20 victories and one draw—with an notable 19 knockout wins.

Wardley also claimed Parker's WBO 'interim' title and is now positioned for a career-defining chance against unbeaten undisputed 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?

Is a Usyk-Wardley Bout Likely?

Usyk once again dazzled when defeating Daniel Dubois by stoppage to become a repeat undisputed heavyweight titleholder in the summer.

Just five days after that victory, the World Boxing Organization mandated the 38-year-old to begin negotiations for a title defense against his mandatory opponent Parker.

But the Ukrainian sustained a back injury and was given additional time to begin talks with Parker's team.

Usyk said earlier this month he wanted to fight for another two years but did not plan to step back into the ring in 2025.

The WBO has not made a fresh call for Usyk to negotiate with his mandatory challenger, but might act shortly following Wardley's victory.

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 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 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 29 November when Frazer Clarke and Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva meet at Derby's Vaillant Arena.

The bout was originally scheduled for October 25th before TKV picked up an injury.

The rearranged card will be shown live on television and streaming platforms, 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 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 autumn 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 "50-50 he will return for a warm-up fight this year", but also hinted Joshua could be added to a card in the West Coast in 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," 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 expressed desire to compete in Africa, but it is doubtful he'll appear 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 20-year-old is yet to finalise his next contest.

Itauma further enhanced his reputation 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 linked with bouts against several top contenders.

His team explored a December bout, 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 mandated to defend his title 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 champion dismissed those speculations earlier this month.

As for the veteran Chisora, he appeared on stage 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".

Has Tyson Fury Actually Retired?

Predicting what happens next for Tyson Fury has never been easy.

The two-time heavyweight champion announced his retirement in winter after losing against Usyk for a second time a month earlier.

Over the past nine 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 friend and training partner Parker—and that might have whet his appetite.

Robert Spencer
Robert Spencer

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