The Future for the Heavyweight Boxing Scene After Wardley's Big Win?
The British boxer Fabio Wardley has thrust himself into the world title picture after a stunning 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 victories and one draw—with an impressive 19 stoppages.
Wardley also captured Parker's interim WBO championship and is now in line for a career-defining chance against undefeated unified titleholder Oleksandr Usyk.
But is Wardley likely to face at the undefeated two-weight undisputed champion?
Which bouts are scheduled? And what other bouts might be possible?
Will Usyk Fight Wardley?
The champion impressed again when stopping Daniel Dubois to become a repeat undisputed heavyweight titleholder in July.
Just five days after that victory, the World Boxing Organization mandated the veteran fighter to start talks for a title defense against his mandatory opponent Parker.
But the fighter suffered a back issue and was given additional time to negotiate with Parker's camp.
The champion stated recently 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 could do so soon following Wardley's win.
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 stated after the fight.
The ex-cruiserweight titleholder may even decide to swerve Wardley.
If he does, the WBO could force him to vacate their belt and elevate Wardley to champion status.
If that situation unfolds then ex-IBF titleholder Dubois could emerge as a potential opponent for Wardley.
Which Bouts Are Confirmed?
With Usyk yet to make his next move, the heavyweight scene has stalled.
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 rescheduled event will be broadcast on BBC Two and iPlayer, marking the inaugural show in a fresh collaboration between BBC Sport and Boxxer.
When Will Joshua Fight Next?
The fight community anticipates updates on a bout schedule for former champion Anthony Joshua.
Joshua has been absent since his brutal fifth-round loss at the hands of compatriot Daniel Dubois in September 2024.
The veteran underwent 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 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," the promoter stated to media.
"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 made clear his intention to fight 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.
What's Next for Moses Itauma?
Young prospect Moses Itauma is Britain's next great heavyweight hope—but the young fighter hasn't confirmed his next bout.
Itauma boosted his standing with a first-round stoppage of Dillian Whyte in August, extending his unbeaten record to 13 victories with 11 stoppage wins.
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 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 opponent Murat Gassiev on 12 December.
The WBA order means both sides have 30 days to negotiate a deal.
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 Ukrainian downplayed those rumours earlier this month.
As for 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".
Is Fury Really Retired?
Forecasting Tyson Fury's future has never been easy.
The two-time heavyweight 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 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 friend and training partner Parker—and that could have sparked his interest.