The Future 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 Joseph Parker at the O2 Arena in London.
This impressive victory extended Wardley's undefeated record to 21 fights—20 wins and a draw—with an impressive 19 stoppages.
Wardley also claimed Parker's WBO 'interim' title and is now in line for a career-defining chance against undefeated undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk.
But is Wardley likely to face 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 stopping Daniel Dubois to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion in July.
Shortly after that win, the WBO ordered the veteran fighter to begin negotiations for a defense against mandatory challenger Parker.
But the Ukrainian sustained a back injury and was granted an extended period to begin talks with Parker's team.
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 governing body hasn't issued a new order for Usyk to face his mandatory opponent, but could do so soon 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 stated after the fight.
The ex-cruiserweight titleholder may even choose to avoid Wardley.
If he does, the organization might strip him of the title and upgrade Wardley to champion.
If that scenario plays out 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 closing months of next year.
There is a British heavyweight title contest on November 29th when Frazer Clarke and Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva meet at the Vaillant Arena in Derby.
The fight was initially planned for October 25th before Tshikeva suffered an injury.
The rearranged card will be shown live on television and streaming platforms, marking the inaugural show in a fresh collaboration between the broadcaster and promotion company.
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 September 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 "uncertain if he'll have a tune-up bout 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 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 wait until February.
When Could Itauma Fight Next?
Young prospect Moses Itauma is the UK's promising heavyweight talent—but the 20-year-old is yet to finalise his next contest.
Itauma boosted his standing with a first-round stoppage of Dillian Whyte in August, extending his unbeaten record to 13 victories with 11 knockouts.
In the wake of that impressive victory, Itauma was connected to fights with Filip Hrgovic, Michael Hunter and domestic rival David Adeleye.
His team explored a December bout, with veteran Chisora indicating they might appear together on 13 December in Manchester.
But that date is now in doubt for the fighter from Chatham, who is learning the hard way about boxing politics.
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 opponent Murat Gassiev on 12 December.
The mandate gives both camps 30 days to reach agreement.
Promoter Frank Warren, who promotes 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 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 always been challenging.
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 hinted at returns then changed his mind.
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 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.