🔗 Share this article What's Next for the Heavyweight Division After Wardley's Victory? Fabio Wardley has propelled himself into the world title picture after a stunning late-round knockout win against Joseph Parker at the O2 Arena in London. This impressive victory extended Wardley's undefeated record to 21 fights—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 life-changing opportunity against undefeated 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? Is a Usyk-Wardley Bout Likely? Usyk once again dazzled when defeating Daniel Dubois by stoppage to become a repeat undisputed heavyweight titleholder in July. Just five days after that victory, the WBO ordered the veteran fighter to begin negotiations 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. The champion stated recently he planned to continue boxing for two more 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 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 decide to swerve Wardley. If he does, the WBO could force him to vacate their belt and elevate Wardley to champion status. If that situation unfolds then former IBF champion Dubois could emerge as a potential opponent 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 final two months of 2025. There is a British heavyweight title contest on November 29th 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 television and streaming platforms, marking the first event in a new partnership between the broadcaster and promotion company. When Will Joshua Fight Next? The boxing world is waiting for news on a fight date for two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua. Joshua has been absent since his brutal fifth-round loss at the hands of compatriot Daniel Dubois in autumn 2024. The veteran underwent elbow surgery in spring and there have been murmurs about a possible date in December. 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 California on 13 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 unlikely he will feature on Matchroom's expected card in Ghana on December 20th. 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 young fighter hasn't confirmed his next bout. Itauma further enhanced his reputation with a quick knockout of Dillian Whyte in August, extending his unbeaten record to 13 victories with 11 stoppage wins. In the wake of that impressive victory, 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 13 December in Manchester. But that date is now in doubt for the Chatham heavyweight, who is learning the hard way about boxing politics. WBA 'regular' champion Kubrat Pulev was ordered to defend his belt against Itauma on 14 October, but the veteran has revealed intentions to fight opponent Murat Gassiev on 12 December. The mandate gives both camps 30 days to reach agreement. Queensberry's Frank Warren, who promotes 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 Chisora, he was present at the O2 Arena alongside other heavyweight contenders before the main event. 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 month earlier. Over the recent months, Fury has hinted at returns then changed his mind. 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 media appearance, 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 associate and sparring partner Parker—and that might have whet his appetite.