🔗 Share this article What Lies Ahead for the Heavyweight Division After Wardley's Victory? The British boxer Fabio Wardley has catapulted himself into the heavyweight title conversation after a stunning 11th-round stoppage win against Joseph Parker at the O2 Arena in London. The remarkable win extended Wardley's unbeaten streak to 21 professional bouts—20 wins and a draw—with an impressive 19 stoppages. Wardley also claimed Parker's WBO 'interim' title and is now in line for a career-defining chance against unbeaten unified titleholder 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? Will Usyk Fight Wardley? Usyk once again dazzled when stopping Daniel Dubois to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion in the summer. Shortly after that win, the World Boxing Organization mandated the veteran fighter to begin negotiations 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. The champion stated recently he wanted to fight for another two 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 face the champion next after his latest win. "I have one thing to say - Usyk, Usyk," he said in his post-fight interview. The ex-cruiserweight titleholder 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 former IBF champion Dubois could become a possible contender for Wardley. What Fights Do We Know Are Happening? With Usyk yet to make his next move, the heavyweight division has been on pause. There are no major championship bouts scheduled in the closing months of next year. There is a UK heavyweight championship fight on November 29th when Frazer Clarke and Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva meet at the Vaillant Arena in Derby. 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 BBC Sport and Boxxer. When Will Joshua Fight Next? The boxing world is waiting for news 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 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 "50-50 he will return for a warm-up fight 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," 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 made clear his intention to fight 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. What's Next for Moses Itauma? 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 aftermath of that stunning win, Itauma was connected to fights with several top contenders. 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 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 14 October, but the 44 year-old has announced plans to fight opponent Murat Gassiev on 12 December. The WBA order means both sides have 30 days to negotiate a deal. 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 mentioned as a possible challenger for the unified champion, 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 Wardley's win over Parker. 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 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 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 veteran attended Wardley's victory against friend and training partner Parker—and that could have sparked his interest.