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

Fabio Wardley has propelled himself into the world title picture after a shocking 11th-round stoppage win against Joseph Parker at London's O2 Arena.

The remarkable win extended Wardley's undefeated record to 21 fights—20 wins and a draw—with an notable 19 knockout wins.

Wardley also claimed 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 undefeated two-weight undisputed champion?

Which bouts are scheduled? And what matchups could materialize?

Is a Usyk-Wardley Bout Likely?

Usyk once again dazzled when defeating Daniel Dubois by stoppage to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion in the summer.

Just five days after that victory, the World Boxing Organization mandated 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.

The champion stated recently he planned to continue boxing for two more 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 might act shortly following Wardley's victory.

Wardley made no secret of his desire to face the champion next after his recent victory.

"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 WBO could force him to vacate their belt and upgrade Wardley to champion.

If that scenario plays out then ex-IBF titleholder Dubois could emerge as a potential opponent for Wardley.

Which Bouts Are Confirmed?

With the champion still deciding his next fight, the heavyweight scene has stalled.

There are no world-level fights on the agenda in the final two months of 2025.

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 inaugural show in a fresh collaboration between BBC Sport and Boxxer.

When Is Anthony Joshua's Next Bout?

The boxing world is waiting for news 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 fellow Briton Dubois in autumn 2024.

The veteran underwent elbow surgery in May and there have been rumors of a potential December return.

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

His aspiration to box in Africa may have to wait until February.

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 boosted his standing with a first-round stoppage of Dillian Whyte in late summer, extending his unbeaten record to 13 victories with 11 knockouts.

In the wake of that impressive victory, Itauma was linked with bouts against Filip Hrgovic, Michael Hunter and domestic rival David Adeleye.

Team Itauma were considering a fight in December, with Derek Chisora suggesting he would share a card on a December date in Manchester.

But that schedule is uncertain for the Chatham heavyweight, who is discovering the complexities of boxing negotiations.

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 Russian Murat Gassiev on December 12th.

The WBA order means both sides have 30 days to negotiate a deal.

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 mentioned as a possible challenger for the unified champion, but the champion dismissed those speculations earlier this month.

As for the veteran Chisora, he was present at the O2 Arena alongside other heavyweight contenders before Wardley's win over Parker.

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 never been easy.

The former world champion declared his retirement in January after suffering a second defeat to Usyk a few weeks prior.

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 content to remain outside the ring.

During a recent interview on FurociTV, 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.

Benjamin Woods
Benjamin Woods

A passionate botanist and garden designer with over a decade of experience in urban farming and organic horticulture.