🔗 Share this article The Future for the Heavyweight Boxing Scene After Wardley's Victory? The British boxer Fabio Wardley has propelled himself into the world title picture after a stunning 11th-round stoppage win against Joseph Parker at the O2 Arena in London. The remarkable win extended Wardley's undefeated record 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 positioned for a career-defining chance against unbeaten undisputed champion the Ukrainian champion 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? The champion impressed again when defeating Daniel Dubois by stoppage to become a repeat undisputed heavyweight titleholder in the summer. Shortly after that win, the World Boxing Organization mandated the 38-year-old to begin negotiations for a defense against mandatory challenger Parker. But the fighter suffered a back issue and was granted an extended period 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 governing body hasn't issued a new order for Usyk to negotiate with his mandatory challenger, but might act shortly following Wardley's win. Wardley made no secret of his desire to face the champion next after his latest win. "I have one thing to say - Usyk, Usyk," he stated after the fight. Former cruiserweight champion Usyk 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 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 UK heavyweight championship fight on 29 November when Frazer Clarke faces Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva at the Vaillant Arena in Derby. The bout was originally scheduled for 25 October 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 BBC Sport and Boxxer. When Will Joshua Fight Next? 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 compatriot Daniel Dubois in September 2024. The veteran underwent elbow surgery in spring and there have been rumors of a potential December return. 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," Hearn told Ring Magazine. "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 doubtful he'll appear on the anticipated Ghana event on December 20th. His aspiration to box in Africa may have to wait until February. When Could Itauma Fight Next? Young prospect Moses Itauma is the UK's promising heavyweight talent—but the 20-year-old is yet to finalise his next contest. Itauma boosted his standing with a first-round stoppage of Dillian Whyte in late summer, extending his unbeaten record to 13 victories with 11 stoppage wins. In the aftermath of that stunning win, Itauma was connected to fights with Filip Hrgovic, Michael Hunter and domestic rival David Adeleye. 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 opponent Murat Gassiev on December 12th. 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 suggested as a potential opponent for undisputed champion Usyk, but the champion dismissed those speculations earlier this month. As for the veteran Chisora, he was present 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". Is Fury Really Retired? Predicting what happens next for Tyson Fury has never been easy. The former world champion announced his retirement in winter after losing against Usyk for a second time a month earlier. 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 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 37-year-old was ringside to watch Wardley's win against friend and training partner Parker—and that could have sparked his interest.