🔗 Share this article What's Next for the Heavyweight Division After Wardley's Big Win? Fabio Wardley has propelled himself into the heavyweight title conversation after a surprising 11th-round stoppage win against former champion Joseph Parker at the O2 Arena in London. 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 life-changing opportunity against unbeaten undisputed 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? Will Usyk Fight Wardley? Usyk once again dazzled when defeating Daniel Dubois by stoppage to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion in the summer. Just five days after that victory, the World Boxing Organization mandated the 38-year-old to start talks for a defense against mandatory challenger Parker. But the Ukrainian sustained a back injury and was given additional time to begin talks with Parker's team. The champion stated recently 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 face his mandatory opponent, but might act shortly following Wardley's win. Wardley made no secret of his desire to face the champion 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 organization might strip him of the title and elevate Wardley to champion status. If that scenario plays out then ex-IBF titleholder Dubois could become a possible contender for Wardley. Which Bouts Are Confirmed? With Usyk yet to make his next move, the heavyweight scene has stalled. There are no world-level fights on the agenda in the closing months of next year. 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 October 25th before Tshikeva suffered an injury. The rescheduled event will be broadcast on BBC Two and iPlayer, 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 fight date for two-time heavyweight 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 May and there have been murmurs about a possible date in December. 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," 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 December 20th. His dream of fighting on the continent may have to wait until February. When Could Itauma Fight Next? Young prospect Moses Itauma is the UK's promising heavyweight talent—but the young fighter hasn't confirmed his next bout. Itauma boosted his standing with a first-round stoppage of Dillian Whyte in August, extending his perfect record to 13 wins with 11 stoppage wins. In the wake of that impressive victory, Itauma was connected to fights with several top contenders. His team explored a December bout, with veteran Chisora indicating they might appear together on 13 December in Manchester. But that date is now in doubt for the fighter from Chatham, who is learning the hard way about boxing politics. WBA 'regular' champion 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 December 12th. The WBA order means both sides have 30 days to negotiate a deal. Promoter 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 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". Is Fury Really Retired? Predicting what happens next for Tyson Fury has always been challenging. The two-time heavyweight champion declared his retirement in winter after losing against Usyk for a second time a month earlier. Over the recent 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 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 associate and sparring partner Parker—and that might have whet his appetite.