What Lies Ahead for the Heavyweight Division After Wardley's Victory?

The British boxer Fabio Wardley has thrust himself into the heavyweight title conversation after a surprising 11th-round stoppage win against Joseph Parker at London's O2 Arena.

This impressive victory extended Wardley's unbeaten streak to 21 fights—20 wins and a draw—with an impressive 19 stoppages.

Wardley also took Parker's interim WBO championship and is now positioned for a life-changing opportunity against undefeated unified titleholder the Ukrainian champion Oleksandr Usyk.

But is Wardley likely to face at the reigning two-division champion?

What other fights are happening? And what matchups could materialize?

Will Usyk Fight Wardley?

The champion impressed again when stopping Daniel Dubois to become a repeat undisputed heavyweight titleholder in July.

Just five days after that victory, the World Boxing Organization mandated the veteran fighter 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 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 face his mandatory opponent, but might act shortly following Wardley's victory.

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 stated after the fight.

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 scenario plays out then former IBF champion Dubois could emerge as a potential opponent for Wardley.

What Fights Do We Know Are Happening?

With the champion still deciding his next fight, the heavyweight scene has stalled.

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 bout was originally scheduled for October 25th before Tshikeva suffered 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 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 been absent since his brutal fifth-round loss at the hands of fellow Briton Dubois in September 2024.

The 36-year-old had 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 the West Coast in 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 doubtful he'll appear on Matchroom's expected card in Ghana on December 20th.

His dream of fighting on the continent may have to wait until February.

What's Next for Moses Itauma?

Young prospect 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 first-round stoppage 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 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 date is now in doubt for the fighter from Chatham, who is learning the hard way about boxing politics.

Titleholder 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 mandate gives both camps 30 days to reach agreement.

Queensberry's Frank Warren, who represents Itauma, told media outlets 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 fellow British heavyweight Whyte and American Jarrell Miller 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".

Has Tyson Fury Actually Retired?

Forecasting Tyson Fury's future has never been easy.

The two-time heavyweight champion announced his retirement in January after suffering a second defeat to Usyk a month earlier.

Over the past nine months, Fury has teased comebacks and then subsequently backtracked.

Fury has expressed interest in fighting 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 veteran attended Wardley's victory against friend and training partner Parker—and that could have sparked his interest.

Karen Payne
Karen Payne

A seasoned gambling analyst with over a decade of experience in reviewing online casinos and slot games across Europe.