What's Next for the Heavyweight Boxing Scene After Wardley's Big Win?
The British boxer Fabio Wardley has thrust himself into the heavyweight title conversation after a stunning 11th-round stoppage win against former champion Joseph Parker at the O2 Arena in London.
The remarkable win extended Wardley's unbeaten streak to 21 fights—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 life-changing opportunity against unbeaten undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk.
But is Wardley likely to face at the reigning two-division champion?
What other fights are happening? And what other bouts might be possible?
Is a Usyk-Wardley Bout Likely?
Usyk once again dazzled when stopping Daniel Dubois to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion in July.
Shortly after that win, the World Boxing Organization mandated the 38-year-old to start talks for a title defense against his mandatory opponent Parker.
But the Ukrainian sustained a back injury and was granted an extended period 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 might act shortly 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.
Former cruiserweight champion Usyk may even choose to avoid Wardley.
If he does, the organization might strip him of the title and elevate Wardley to champion status.
If that scenario plays out then former IBF champion Dubois could emerge as a potential opponent for Wardley.
What Fights Do We Know Are Happening?
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 bout was originally scheduled for 25 October before TKV picked up an injury.
The rearranged card will be shown live on BBC Two and iPlayer, marking the first event in a new partnership between BBC Sport and Boxxer.
When Will Joshua Fight Next?
The fight community anticipates updates on a fight date for two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua.
Joshua has not fought since his devastating fifth-round knockout defeat at the hands of fellow Briton Dubois in September 2024.
The veteran underwent 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 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 doubtful he'll appear on the anticipated Ghana event 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 20-year-old is yet to finalise his next contest.
Itauma further enhanced his reputation with a quick knockout of Dillian Whyte in late summer, extending his perfect record to 13 wins with 11 knockouts.
In the wake of that impressive victory, Itauma was linked with bouts against 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 discovering the complexities of boxing negotiations.
Titleholder Kubrat Pulev was ordered to defend his belt against Itauma on 14 October, but the 44 year-old has announced plans to fight opponent Murat Gassiev on December 12th.
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 mentioned as a possible challenger for the unified champion, but the champion dismissed those speculations earlier this month.
As for the veteran Chisora, he appeared on stage at the O2 Arena alongside other heavyweight contenders 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".
Has Tyson Fury Actually Retired?
Predicting what happens next for Tyson Fury has never been easy.
The two-time heavyweight champion declared his retirement in January 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 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 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 could have sparked his interest.