What Lies Ahead for the Heavyweight Boxing Scene After Wardley's Big Win?

Fabio Wardley has catapulted himself into the heavyweight title conversation after a shocking late-round knockout win against former champion 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 impressive 19 stoppages.

Wardley also took Parker's WBO 'interim' title and is now in line for a career-defining chance against undefeated unified titleholder 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 repeat undisputed heavyweight titleholder in the summer.

Just five days after that victory, the World Boxing Organization mandated the 38-year-old to start talks for a defense against mandatory challenger Parker.

But the fighter suffered a back issue 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 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 recent victory.

"I have one thing to say - Usyk, Usyk," he said in his post-fight interview.

The ex-cruiserweight titleholder may even choose to avoid Wardley.

If he does, the WBO could force him to vacate their belt and upgrade Wardley to champion.

If that situation unfolds then former IBF champion Dubois could become a possible contender 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 final two months of 2025.

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 October 25th before TKV picked up an injury.

The rearranged card will be shown live on BBC Two and iPlayer, marking the inaugural show in a fresh collaboration between the broadcaster and promotion company.

When Will Joshua Fight Next?

The boxing world is waiting for news on a fight date for two-time heavyweight 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 spring and there have been murmurs about a possible date in December.

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 Matchroom's expected card in Ghana on December 20th.

His aspiration to box in Africa may have to be postponed until early next year.

What's Next for Moses Itauma?

Rising star 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 unbeaten record to 13 victories 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 a December date 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 mandated to defend his title against Itauma on October 14th, but the 44 year-old has announced plans to fight Russian Murat Gassiev on December 12th.

The mandate gives both camps 30 days to reach agreement.

Promoter 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 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?

Predicting what happens next for Tyson Fury has always been challenging.

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 hinted at returns then changed his mind.

Fury has expressed interest in fighting 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 could have sparked his interest.

Patricia Jenkins
Patricia Jenkins

A tech strategist with over a decade of experience in digital innovation and business growth across European markets.