🔗 Share this article What Lies Ahead for the Heavyweight Division After Wardley's Victory? The British boxer Fabio Wardley has propelled himself into the world title picture after a surprising late-round knockout win against Joseph Parker at London's O2 Arena. This impressive victory extended Wardley's unbeaten streak to 21 professional bouts—20 wins and a draw—with an notable 19 knockout wins. Wardley also captured Parker's WBO 'interim' title and is now in line for a career-defining chance against unbeaten undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk. But will Wardley get his shot at the undefeated two-weight undisputed 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 July. Just five days after that victory, the World Boxing Organization mandated the 38-year-old to begin negotiations for a title defense against his mandatory opponent 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 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 fight the titleholder next after his latest win. "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 situation unfolds then ex-IBF titleholder Dubois could become a possible contender for Wardley. Which Bouts Are Confirmed? With Usyk yet to make his next move, the heavyweight scene has stalled. There are no world-level fights on the agenda in the final two months of 2025. There is a British heavyweight title contest on November 29th when Frazer Clarke faces Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva at Derby's Vaillant Arena. The bout was originally scheduled for 25 October 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 British star Anthony Joshua. Joshua has been absent since his brutal fifth-round loss at the hands of fellow Briton 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 "50-50 he will return for a warm-up fight this year", but also hinted Joshua could be added to a card 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 made clear his intention to fight in Africa, but it is unlikely he will feature on the anticipated Ghana event on 20 December. His dream of fighting on the continent may have to wait until February. What's Next for Moses Itauma? Rising star 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 late summer, extending his perfect record to 13 wins with 11 stoppage wins. In the wake of that impressive victory, Itauma was connected to fights with several top contenders. 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 fighter from Chatham, 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 44 year-old has announced plans to fight Russian Murat Gassiev on 12 December. The WBA order means both sides have 30 days to negotiate a deal. Promoter 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 Chisora, he appeared on stage at the O2 Arena alongside fellow British heavyweight Whyte and American Jarrell Miller 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". Is Fury Really Retired? Predicting what happens next for Tyson Fury has always been challenging. The two-time heavyweight champion announced his retirement in winter after suffering a second defeat to Usyk 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 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 might have whet his appetite.