🔗 Share this article What's Next for the Heavyweight Division After Wardley's Big Win? The British boxer 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. The remarkable win extended Wardley's undefeated record to 21 professional bouts—20 wins and a draw—with an notable 19 knockout wins. Wardley also claimed Parker's WBO 'interim' title and is now in line for a life-changing opportunity against unbeaten unified titleholder Oleksandr Usyk. But will Wardley get his shot at the reigning two-division champion? What other fights are happening? And what matchups could materialize? Is a Usyk-Wardley Bout Likely? Usyk once again dazzled when defeating Daniel Dubois by stoppage to become a repeat undisputed heavyweight titleholder in July. Just five days after that victory, the WBO ordered the 38-year-old to begin negotiations for a title defense against his mandatory opponent Parker. But the fighter suffered a back issue 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 had no intention of fighting next year. The WBO has not made a fresh call for Usyk to face his mandatory opponent, but could do so soon following Wardley's victory. Wardley made no secret of his desire 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 organization might strip him of the title and elevate Wardley to champion status. If that situation unfolds then former IBF champion Dubois could emerge as a potential opponent for Wardley. What Fights Do We Know Are Happening? With Usyk yet to make his next move, the heavyweight division has been on pause. There are no major championship bouts scheduled in the closing months of next year. There is a UK heavyweight championship fight on 29 November when Frazer Clarke faces Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva at the Vaillant Arena in Derby. The bout was originally scheduled for 25 October before TKV picked up an injury. The rescheduled event will be broadcast on television and streaming platforms, marking the first event in a new partnership 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 May and there have been murmurs about a possible date in December. Matchroom 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 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 unlikely he will feature on the anticipated Ghana event on December 20th. His aspiration to box in Africa may have to wait until February. 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 late summer, extending his perfect record to 13 wins with 11 stoppage wins. In the aftermath of that stunning win, Itauma was connected to fights with 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 schedule is uncertain 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 December 12th. The mandate gives both camps 30 days to reach agreement. Queensberry's Frank Warren, who represents 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 fellow British heavyweight Whyte and American Jarrell Miller 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? Forecasting Tyson Fury's future has never been easy. The former world champion announced his retirement in January after suffering a second defeat to Usyk a month earlier. Over the past nine months, Fury has teased comebacks and then subsequently backtracked. 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 37-year-old was ringside to watch Wardley's win against associate and sparring partner Parker—and that might have whet his appetite.