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

Fabio Wardley has propelled himself into the world title picture after a surprising late-round knockout win against former champion Joseph Parker at London's O2 Arena.

This impressive victory extended Wardley's undefeated record to 21 fights—20 wins and a draw—with an impressive 19 stoppages.

Wardley also captured Parker's interim WBO championship and is now positioned for a career-defining chance against unbeaten unified titleholder Oleksandr Usyk.

But will Wardley get his shot 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 stopping Daniel Dubois to become a repeat undisputed heavyweight titleholder in the summer.

Shortly after that win, the WBO ordered the 38-year-old to start talks for a defense against mandatory challenger Parker.

But the Ukrainian sustained a back injury and was given additional time to begin talks with Parker's team.

Usyk said earlier this month he wanted to fight for another two 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 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 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 scene has stalled.

There are no world-level fights on the agenda in the closing months of next year.

There is a UK heavyweight championship fight on November 29th when Frazer Clarke faces Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva at the Vaillant Arena in Derby.

The bout was originally scheduled for October 25th before TKV picked up an injury.

The rearranged card will be shown live on television and streaming platforms, marking the first event in a new partnership 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 British star 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 spring and there have been murmurs about a possible date in December.

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 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," 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 expressed desire to compete in Africa, but it is unlikely he will feature on Matchroom's expected card in Ghana on 20 December.

His dream of fighting on the continent may have to be postponed until early next year.

When Could Itauma Fight Next?

Rising star Moses Itauma is Britain's next great heavyweight hope—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 unbeaten record to 13 victories with 11 stoppage wins.

In the aftermath of that stunning win, 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 a December date 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 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 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?

Predicting what happens next for Tyson Fury has always been challenging.

The former world champion announced his retirement in winter after losing against Usyk for a second time a month earlier.

Over the past nine months, Fury has teased comebacks and then subsequently backtracked.

Fury has expressed interest in fighting Joshua before claiming he's accomplished all his goals 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 veteran attended Wardley's victory against associate and sparring partner Parker—and that could have sparked his interest.

Kayla Juarez
Kayla Juarez

A passionate writer and life enthusiast sharing reflections on personal development and everyday moments.

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