The Future for the Heavyweight Boxing Scene After Wardley's Victory?
The British boxer Fabio Wardley has thrust himself into the heavyweight title conversation after a stunning late-round knockout win against former champion Joseph Parker at the O2 Arena in London.
This impressive victory extended Wardley's undefeated record to 21 professional bouts—20 wins and a draw—with an notable 19 knockout wins.
Wardley also captured Parker's interim WBO championship and is now in line for a life-changing opportunity against undefeated undisputed champion 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?
Is a Usyk-Wardley Bout Likely?
Usyk once again dazzled when defeating Daniel Dubois by stoppage to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion in the summer.
Just five days after that victory, the World Boxing Organization mandated the veteran fighter to start talks for a defense against mandatory challenger Parker.
But the fighter suffered a back issue and was given additional time to begin talks with Parker's team.
The champion stated recently 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 negotiate with his mandatory challenger, but might act shortly 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 decide to swerve Wardley.
If he does, the organization might strip him of the title and upgrade Wardley to champion.
If that scenario plays out then ex-IBF titleholder 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 29 November when Frazer Clarke and Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva meet at the Vaillant Arena in Derby.
The fight was initially planned for October 25th before TKV picked up 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 Is Anthony Joshua's Next Bout?
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 36-year-old had elbow surgery in May and there have been rumors of a potential December return.
Matchroom 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 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 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 dream of fighting on the continent may have to be postponed until early next year.
What's Next for Moses Itauma?
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 quick knockout 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.
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 fighter from Chatham, who is learning the hard way about boxing politics.
Titleholder Kubrat Pulev was mandated to defend his title against Itauma on 14 October, but the 44 year-old has announced plans to fight Russian Murat Gassiev on 12 December.
The mandate gives both camps 30 days to reach agreement.
Queensberry's Frank Warren, who promotes Itauma, told BBC Sport that "Pulev has to fight Moses next with London and Manchester possible host cities".
Itauma has also been suggested as a potential opponent for undisputed champion Usyk, 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 the main event.
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 always been challenging.
The former world champion declared his retirement in January 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 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 veteran attended Wardley's victory against associate and sparring partner Parker—and that could have sparked his interest.