🔗 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 stunning late-round knockout win against 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 impressive 19 stoppages. Wardley also took Parker's WBO 'interim' title and is now in line for a career-defining chance against unbeaten undisputed champion the Ukrainian champion Oleksandr Usyk. But will Wardley get his shot at the reigning two-division champion? Which bouts are scheduled? And what matchups could materialize? Is a Usyk-Wardley Bout Likely? Usyk once again dazzled when stopping Daniel Dubois to become a repeat undisputed heavyweight titleholder in July. 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 Ukrainian sustained a back injury and was given additional time 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 negotiate with his mandatory challenger, but could do so soon 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 said in his post-fight interview. Former cruiserweight champion Usyk may even choose to avoid Wardley. If he does, the organization might strip him of the title and elevate Wardley to champion status. If that situation unfolds then former IBF champion Dubois could emerge as a potential opponent for Wardley. Which Bouts Are Confirmed? 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 fight was initially planned for October 25th before TKV picked up an injury. The rearranged card will be shown live 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 bout schedule for former champion British star Anthony Joshua. Joshua has been absent since his brutal fifth-round loss at the hands of fellow Briton Dubois in autumn 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 suggested Joshua might appear on an event 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 made clear his intention to fight 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 Britain's next great heavyweight hope—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 August, extending his unbeaten record to 13 victories with 11 knockouts. In the wake of that impressive victory, Itauma was linked with bouts against Filip Hrgovic, Michael Hunter and domestic rival David Adeleye. Team Itauma were considering a fight in December, 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 ordered to defend his belt against Itauma on 14 October, but the veteran has revealed intentions to fight Russian 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 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 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 declared his retirement in winter after suffering a second defeat to Usyk a few weeks prior. 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 content to remain outside the ring. 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.