What's Next for the Heavyweight Division After Wardley's Big Win?

The British boxer Fabio Wardley has thrust himself into the world title picture after a stunning 11th-round stoppage win against former champion Joseph Parker at London's O2 Arena.

This impressive victory 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 in line for a career-defining chance against undefeated unified titleholder Oleksandr Usyk.

But is Wardley likely to face at the undefeated two-weight undisputed 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 repeat undisputed heavyweight titleholder in the summer.

Just five days after that victory, the World Boxing Organization mandated 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 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 negotiate with his mandatory challenger, but could do so soon following Wardley's win.

Wardley was vocal about wanting to fight the titleholder next after his recent victory.

"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 emerge as a potential opponent for Wardley.

Which Bouts Are Confirmed?

With the champion still deciding his next fight, the heavyweight division has been on pause.

There are no world-level fights on the agenda in the closing months of next year.

There is a UK heavyweight championship fight on November 29th when Frazer Clarke faces Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva at Derby's Vaillant Arena.

The bout was originally scheduled for 25 October before TKV picked up an injury.

The rescheduled event will be broadcast on television and streaming platforms, marking the first event in a new partnership between the broadcaster and promotion company.

When Will Joshua Fight Next?

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 fellow Briton Dubois in September 2024.

The 36-year-old had elbow surgery in May and there have been rumors of a potential December return.

Promoter Eddie Hearn said it's "uncertain if he'll have a tune-up bout 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," 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 doubtful he'll appear 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 further enhanced his reputation with a first-round stoppage of Dillian Whyte in late summer, extending his perfect record to 13 wins with 11 knockouts.

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 veteran Chisora indicating they might appear together on a December date in Manchester.

But that schedule is uncertain for the fighter from Chatham, 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 veteran has revealed intentions to fight Russian Murat Gassiev on 12 December.

The mandate gives both camps 30 days to reach agreement.

Queensberry's Frank Warren, who represents 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?

Predicting what happens next for Tyson Fury has never been easy.

The former world champion announced his retirement in winter after losing against Usyk for a second time 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 interview on FurociTV, 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.

Todd Nichols
Todd Nichols

A passionate gamer and tech enthusiast with years of experience in game journalism and community building.