🔗 Share this article The Future for the Heavyweight Boxing Scene After Wardley's Big Win? Fabio Wardley has catapulted himself into the world title picture after a surprising 11th-round stoppage win against Joseph Parker at London's O2 Arena. The remarkable win extended Wardley's undefeated record to 21 fights—20 victories and one draw—with an impressive 19 stoppages. Wardley also took Parker's interim WBO championship and is now positioned for a career-defining chance against unbeaten unified titleholder the Ukrainian champion Oleksandr Usyk. But will Wardley get his shot 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 WBO ordered 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 negotiate with Parker's camp. 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 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. 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 situation unfolds then ex-IBF titleholder 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 final two months of 2025. There is a British heavyweight title contest on 29 November when Frazer Clarke and Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva meet at the Vaillant Arena in Derby. The fight was initially planned for 25 October before TKV picked up an injury. The rescheduled event will be broadcast 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 bout schedule for former champion Anthony Joshua. Joshua has not fought since his devastating fifth-round knockout defeat at the hands of compatriot Daniel Dubois in September 2024. The 36-year-old had elbow surgery in spring and there have been rumors of a potential December return. Matchroom 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 California on 13 December or possibly to an event in Saudi Arabia on 27 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 the anticipated Ghana event on 20 December. 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 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 stoppage wins. In the wake of that impressive victory, Itauma was connected to fights with Filip Hrgovic, Michael Hunter and domestic rival David Adeleye. 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 learning the hard way about boxing politics. Titleholder 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 WBA order means both sides have 30 days to negotiate a deal. Queensberry's 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 suggested as a potential opponent for undisputed champion Usyk, but the champion dismissed those speculations earlier this month. As for Chisora, he appeared on stage at the O2 Arena alongside other heavyweight contenders before the main event. 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". Is Fury Really Retired? Forecasting Tyson Fury's future has always been challenging. The two-time heavyweight champion announced his retirement in January after losing against Usyk for a second time a month earlier. Over the past nine months, Fury has hinted at returns then changed his mind. 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 veteran attended Wardley's victory against friend and training partner Parker—and that might have whet his appetite.