What Lies Ahead for the Heavyweight Boxing Scene After Wardley's Big Win?
Fabio Wardley has thrust himself into the world title picture after a stunning late-round knockout win against Joseph Parker at the O2 Arena in London.
The remarkable win extended Wardley's unbeaten streak to 21 fights—20 victories and one draw—with an notable 19 knockout wins.
Wardley also captured Parker's interim WBO championship and is now positioned for a life-changing opportunity against undefeated unified titleholder Oleksandr Usyk.
But is Wardley likely to face at the reigning two-division champion?
Which bouts are scheduled? 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.
Just five days after that victory, the World Boxing Organization mandated the 38-year-old to begin negotiations for a defense against mandatory challenger Parker.
But the Ukrainian sustained a back injury and was given additional time 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 WBO has not made a fresh call for Usyk to face his mandatory opponent, but might act shortly following Wardley's victory.
Wardley made no secret of his desire to fight the titleholder 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 WBO could force him to vacate their belt and upgrade Wardley to champion.
If that situation unfolds then former IBF champion 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 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 Derby's Vaillant Arena.
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 first event in a new partnership between BBC Sport and Boxxer.
When Will Joshua Fight Next?
The boxing world is waiting for news 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 spring and there have been murmurs about a possible date in December.
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 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 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.
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 further enhanced his reputation with a first-round stoppage of Dillian Whyte in late summer, extending his unbeaten record to 13 victories with 11 knockouts.
In the aftermath of that stunning win, Itauma was linked with bouts against several top contenders.
His team explored a December bout, with veteran Chisora indicating they might appear together on a December date in Manchester.
But that date is now in doubt for the Chatham heavyweight, who is learning the hard way about boxing politics.
WBA 'regular' champion Kubrat Pulev was ordered to defend his belt against Itauma on October 14th, but the veteran has revealed intentions to fight opponent Murat Gassiev on December 12th.
The mandate gives both camps 30 days to reach agreement.
Queensberry's Frank Warren, who promotes 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 Chisora, he appeared on stage 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".
Is Fury Really Retired?
Predicting what happens next for Tyson Fury has always been challenging.
The former world champion announced his retirement in January after suffering a second defeat to Usyk a month earlier.
Over the recent months, Fury has teased comebacks and then subsequently backtracked.
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.