The Future for the Heavyweight Division After Wardley's Big Win?
Fabio Wardley has thrust himself into the heavyweight title conversation after a stunning late-round knockout win against former champion Joseph Parker at the O2 Arena in London.
This impressive victory extended Wardley's unbeaten streak to 21 professional bouts—20 wins and a draw—with an notable 19 knockout wins.
Wardley also captured Parker's WBO 'interim' title and is now in line for a life-changing opportunity against undefeated unified titleholder the Ukrainian champion Oleksandr Usyk.
But will Wardley get his shot at the reigning two-division champion?
Which bouts are scheduled? And what other bouts might be possible?
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.
Shortly after that win, the World Boxing Organization mandated the 38-year-old to start talks for a title defense against his mandatory opponent Parker.
But the fighter suffered a back issue and was given additional time to begin talks with Parker's team.
Usyk said earlier this month 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 negotiate with his mandatory challenger, but could do so soon following Wardley's victory.
Wardley was vocal about wanting 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 organization might strip him of the title and upgrade Wardley to champion.
If that situation unfolds then former IBF champion Dubois could emerge as a potential opponent for Wardley.
Which Bouts Are Confirmed?
With the champion still deciding his next fight, the heavyweight scene has stalled.
There are no world-level fights on the agenda in the closing months of next year.
There is a UK heavyweight championship fight on November 29th when Frazer Clarke faces Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva at the Vaillant Arena in Derby.
The bout was originally scheduled for October 25th 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 the broadcaster and promotion company.
When Will Joshua Fight Next?
The fight community anticipates updates on a bout schedule for former champion British star Anthony Joshua.
Joshua has not fought since his devastating fifth-round knockout defeat at the hands of compatriot Daniel Dubois in autumn 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 "uncertain if he'll have a tune-up bout this year", but also suggested Joshua might appear on an event 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 made clear his intention to fight in Africa, but it is unlikely he will feature on the anticipated Ghana event on 20 December.
His dream of fighting on the continent may have to be postponed until early next year.
When Could Itauma Fight Next?
Young prospect Moses Itauma is Britain's next great heavyweight hope—but the young fighter hasn't confirmed his next bout.
Itauma further enhanced his reputation with a first-round stoppage of Dillian Whyte in August, extending his unbeaten record to 13 victories 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 13 December in Manchester.
But that schedule is uncertain for the fighter from Chatham, who is discovering the complexities of boxing negotiations.
Titleholder Kubrat Pulev was ordered to defend his belt against Itauma on October 14th, but the veteran has revealed intentions to fight opponent Murat Gassiev on December 12th.
The WBA order means both sides have 30 days to negotiate a deal.
Promoter 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 was present at the O2 Arena alongside other heavyweight contenders before Wardley's win over Parker.
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 never been easy.
The two-time heavyweight champion declared his retirement in January after losing against Usyk for a second time a month earlier.
Over the recent 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 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 friend and training partner Parker—and that might have whet his appetite.