What's Next for the Heavyweight Division After Wardley's Big Win?
The British boxer 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 unbeaten streak to 21 professional bouts—20 victories and one draw—with an impressive 19 stoppages.
Wardley also claimed Parker's interim WBO championship and is now in line for a career-defining chance against unbeaten undisputed champion the Ukrainian champion Oleksandr Usyk.
But will Wardley get his shot at the reigning two-division champion?
What other fights are happening? And what matchups could materialize?
Is a Usyk-Wardley Bout Likely?
The champion impressed again when stopping Daniel Dubois to become a repeat undisputed heavyweight titleholder in July.
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 negotiate with Parker's camp.
Usyk said earlier this month he wanted to fight for another two years but did not plan to step back into the ring in 2025.
The WBO has not made a fresh call for Usyk to negotiate with his mandatory challenger, but might act shortly following Wardley's victory.
Wardley was vocal about wanting to face the champion next after his latest win.
"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 elevate Wardley to champion status.
If that situation unfolds then former IBF champion 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 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 fight was initially planned for 25 October before TKV picked up an injury.
The rearranged card will be shown live on BBC Two and iPlayer, marking the first event in a new partnership between the broadcaster and promotion company.
When Is Anthony Joshua's Next Bout?
The fight community anticipates updates on a fight date for two-time heavyweight champion British star Anthony Joshua.
Joshua has not fought since his devastating fifth-round knockout defeat at the hands of fellow Briton Dubois in autumn 2024.
The 36-year-old had 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 hinted Joshua could be added to a card in the West Coast in 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 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.
When Could Itauma Fight Next?
Rising star Moses Itauma is the UK's promising heavyweight talent—but the young fighter hasn't confirmed his next bout.
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 aftermath of that stunning win, Itauma was linked with bouts against Filip Hrgovic, Michael Hunter and domestic rival David Adeleye.
His team explored a December bout, with veteran Chisora indicating they might appear together on a December date in Manchester.
But that date is now in doubt for the Chatham heavyweight, who is learning the hard way about boxing politics.
WBA 'regular' champion Kubrat Pulev was mandated to defend his title against Itauma on 14 October, 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 BBC Sport 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 other heavyweight contenders before the main event.
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 former world champion declared his retirement in winter after losing against Usyk for a second time a few weeks prior.
Over the past nine months, Fury has teased comebacks and then subsequently backtracked.
Fury has spoken of a desire to get in the ring with Joshua before claiming he's accomplished all his goals 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.