What's Next for the Heavyweight Boxing Scene 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 London's O2 Arena.
The remarkable win extended Wardley's unbeaten streak to 21 fights—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 life-changing opportunity against undefeated undisputed champion the Ukrainian 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 the summer.
Just five days after that victory, the WBO ordered the 38-year-old to start talks for a defense against mandatory challenger Parker.
But the Ukrainian sustained a back injury and was granted an extended period to negotiate with Parker's camp.
Usyk said earlier this month he planned to continue boxing for two more years but had no intention of fighting next year.
The governing body hasn't issued a new order 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 recent victory.
"I have one thing to say - Usyk, Usyk," he said in his post-fight interview.
Former cruiserweight champion Usyk 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 scenario plays out then ex-IBF titleholder 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 world-level fights on the agenda in the closing months of next year.
There is a British heavyweight title contest on 29 November when Frazer Clarke faces Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva at the Vaillant Arena in Derby.
The bout was originally scheduled for October 25th 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 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 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 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 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," 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.
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 first-round stoppage of Dillian Whyte in late summer, 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 Derek Chisora suggesting he would share a card on a December date in Manchester.
But that date is now in doubt for the Chatham heavyweight, who is learning the hard way about boxing politics.
Titleholder 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 WBA order means both sides have 30 days to negotiate a deal.
Promoter Frank Warren, who represents 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 appeared on stage at the O2 Arena alongside other heavyweight contenders before the main event.
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".
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 few weeks prior.
Over the past nine 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 content to remain outside the ring.
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 might have whet his appetite.