What's Next for the Heavyweight Boxing Scene After Wardley's Victory?

The British boxer 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.

The remarkable win extended Wardley's undefeated record to 21 professional bouts—20 wins and a draw—with an impressive 19 stoppages.

Wardley also claimed Parker's WBO 'interim' title and is now positioned for a life-changing opportunity against undefeated undisputed champion the Ukrainian champion Oleksandr Usyk.

But is Wardley likely to face at the undefeated two-weight undisputed champion?

What other fights are happening? And what other bouts might be possible?

Is a Usyk-Wardley Bout Likely?

The champion impressed again when defeating Daniel Dubois by stoppage to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion in July.

Shortly after that win, the World Boxing Organization mandated the 38-year-old to begin negotiations for a title defense against his mandatory opponent Parker.

But the Ukrainian sustained a back injury and was granted an extended period 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 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 organization might strip him of the title and upgrade Wardley to champion.

If that situation unfolds then former IBF champion Dubois could become a possible contender for Wardley.

What Fights Do We Know Are Happening?

With the champion still deciding his next fight, 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 faces Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva at the Vaillant Arena in Derby.

The fight was initially planned 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 boxing world is waiting for news on a fight date for two-time heavyweight champion British star 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 spring 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 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 doubtful he'll appear on the anticipated Ghana event on December 20th.

His aspiration to box in Africa may have to be postponed until early next year.

When Could Itauma Fight Next?

Young prospect Moses Itauma is the UK's promising heavyweight talent—but the young fighter hasn't confirmed his next bout.

Itauma further enhanced his reputation with a quick knockout of Dillian Whyte in August, extending his perfect record to 13 wins with 11 stoppage wins.

In the aftermath of that stunning win, Itauma was linked with bouts against Filip Hrgovic, Michael Hunter and domestic rival David Adeleye.

Team Itauma were considering a fight in December, with veteran Chisora indicating they might appear together on a December date in Manchester.

But that schedule is uncertain for the Chatham heavyweight, who is learning the hard way about boxing politics.

Titleholder Kubrat Pulev was mandated to defend his title against Itauma on October 14th, but the veteran has revealed intentions to fight Russian 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 media outlets 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 Ukrainian downplayed those rumours 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 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?

Forecasting Tyson Fury's future has always been challenging.

The two-time heavyweight champion declared his retirement in January after suffering a second defeat to Usyk a month earlier.

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 media appearance, Fury said there was "no actual reason for me to go back in the boxing ring".

But the 37-year-old was ringside to watch Wardley's win against friend and training partner Parker—and that might have whet his appetite.

Christopher Russell
Christopher Russell

Elara is a gaming journalist with over a decade of experience covering esports and indie game development, known for her analytical reviews.