🔗 Share this article The Future for the Heavyweight Boxing Scene After Wardley's Big Win? Fabio Wardley has propelled himself into the heavyweight title conversation after a stunning 11th-round stoppage win against former champion Joseph Parker at London's O2 Arena. 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 WBO 'interim' title and is now positioned for a career-defining chance against unbeaten undisputed champion the Ukrainian champion Oleksandr Usyk. But is Wardley likely to face at the reigning two-division champion? Which bouts are scheduled? And what matchups could materialize? Is a Usyk-Wardley Bout Likely? The champion impressed again when defeating Daniel Dubois by stoppage to become a repeat undisputed heavyweight titleholder in July. Shortly after that win, the WBO ordered the veteran fighter to begin negotiations for a title defense against his mandatory opponent Parker. But the fighter suffered a back issue and was granted an extended period to begin talks with Parker's team. Usyk said earlier this month he planned to continue boxing for two more years but had no intention of fighting next year. The WBO has not made a fresh call for Usyk to face his mandatory opponent, but might act shortly following Wardley's victory. Wardley was vocal about wanting to fight the titleholder 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 scenario plays out then ex-IBF titleholder Dubois could become a possible contender 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 29 November when Frazer Clarke and Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva meet 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 BBC Two and iPlayer, marking the first event in a new partnership between BBC Sport and Boxxer. When Is Anthony Joshua's Next Bout? 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 compatriot Daniel Dubois in autumn 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," 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. What's Next for Moses Itauma? Rising star Moses Itauma is Britain's next great heavyweight hope—but the young fighter hasn't confirmed his next bout. Itauma boosted his standing with a quick knockout of Dillian Whyte in August, 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. Team Itauma were considering a fight in December, with Derek Chisora suggesting he would share a card on 13 December in Manchester. But that schedule is uncertain 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 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 Ukrainian downplayed those rumours earlier this month. As for the veteran Chisora, he appeared on stage 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? Forecasting Tyson Fury's future has never been easy. The former world champion announced his retirement in January 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 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 could have sparked his interest.