The Future for the Heavyweight Boxing Scene After Wardley's Victory?

Fabio Wardley has catapulted himself into the world title picture after a surprising 11th-round stoppage 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 took Parker's interim WBO championship and is now positioned for a life-changing opportunity against undefeated unified titleholder the Ukrainian champion Oleksandr Usyk.

But will Wardley get his shot at the undefeated two-weight undisputed champion?

Which bouts are scheduled? And what other bouts might be possible?

Is a Usyk-Wardley Bout Likely?

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

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

But the fighter suffered a back issue 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 did not plan to step back into the ring in 2025.

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 recent victory.

"I have one thing to say - Usyk, Usyk," he said in his post-fight interview.

Former cruiserweight champion Usyk may even decide to swerve 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 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 November 29th when Frazer Clarke faces Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva at Derby's Vaillant Arena.

The bout was originally scheduled for October 25th before Tshikeva suffered an injury.

The rescheduled event will be broadcast on television and streaming platforms, marking the inaugural show in a fresh collaboration 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 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 rumors of a potential December return.

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 made clear his intention to fight in Africa, but it is doubtful he'll appear on the anticipated Ghana event on December 20th.

His aspiration to box in Africa 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 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 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 date is now in doubt for the Chatham heavyweight, who is learning the hard way about boxing politics.

Titleholder Kubrat Pulev was mandated to defend his title against Itauma on October 14th, but the veteran has revealed intentions to fight Russian Murat Gassiev on 12 December.

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

Queensberry's Frank Warren, who represents 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 Ukrainian downplayed those rumours earlier this month.

As for 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".

Has Tyson Fury Actually Retired?

Forecasting Tyson Fury's future has never been easy.

The two-time heavyweight champion declared his retirement in winter 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 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 veteran attended Wardley's victory against associate and sparring partner Parker—and that might have whet his appetite.

Jon Ross
Jon Ross

Eleanor is a freelance finance writer based in London, specializing in consumer savings and reward programs.