🔗 Share this article The Future for the Heavyweight Division After Wardley's Victory? The British boxer Fabio Wardley has thrust himself into the heavyweight title conversation after a stunning 11th-round stoppage win against former champion Joseph Parker at the O2 Arena in London. 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 undefeated undisputed champion the Ukrainian champion Oleksandr Usyk. But will Wardley get his shot at the undefeated two-weight undisputed champion? What other fights are happening? And what other bouts might be possible? 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 July. Just five days after that victory, the World Boxing Organization mandated the veteran fighter to begin negotiations for a defense against mandatory challenger Parker. But the fighter suffered a back issue and was granted an extended period 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 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 recent victory. "I have one thing to say - Usyk, Usyk," he said in his post-fight interview. The ex-cruiserweight titleholder may even decide to swerve 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. Which Bouts Are Confirmed? With Usyk yet to make his next move, the heavyweight division has been on pause. There are no major championship bouts scheduled in the final two months of 2025. There is a British heavyweight title contest on November 29th when Frazer Clarke faces Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva at Derby's Vaillant Arena. The fight was initially planned for 25 October before TKV picked up an injury. The rearranged card will be shown live on television and streaming platforms, marking the first event in a new partnership between the broadcaster and promotion company. When Is Anthony Joshua's Next Bout? The boxing world is waiting for news on a bout schedule for former 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. 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 event in Saudi Arabia on 27 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 made clear his intention to fight 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 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 unbeaten record to 13 victories with 11 knockouts. In the wake of that impressive victory, Itauma was connected to fights with several top contenders. His team explored a December bout, with Derek Chisora suggesting he would share a card on a December date in Manchester. But that schedule is uncertain for the fighter from Chatham, who is discovering the complexities of boxing negotiations. Titleholder Kubrat Pulev was mandated to defend his title against Itauma on 14 October, 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. 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 Ukrainian downplayed those rumours earlier this month. As for the veteran Chisora, he was present 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". Has Tyson Fury Actually 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 few weeks prior. Over the past nine months, Fury has hinted at returns then changed his mind. 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 associate and sparring partner Parker—and that might have whet his appetite.