🔗 Share this article The Future for the Heavyweight Division After Wardley's Big Win? The British boxer Fabio Wardley has catapulted himself into the world title picture after a surprising 11th-round stoppage win against former champion Joseph Parker at the O2 Arena in London. The remarkable win extended Wardley's unbeaten streak to 21 professional bouts—20 victories and one draw—with an notable 19 knockout wins. Wardley also claimed Parker's WBO 'interim' title and is now positioned 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? What other fights are happening? And what matchups could materialize? Is a Usyk-Wardley Bout Likely? Usyk once again dazzled when stopping Daniel Dubois to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion in the summer. 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 granted an extended period to negotiate with Parker's camp. The champion stated recently 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 might act shortly following Wardley's victory. Wardley was vocal about wanting 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 WBO could force him to vacate their belt and upgrade Wardley to champion. If that situation unfolds then former IBF champion Dubois could become a possible contender for Wardley. Which Bouts Are Confirmed? With the champion still deciding his next fight, the heavyweight division has been on pause. 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 Derby's Vaillant Arena. The fight was initially planned for October 25th before Tshikeva suffered an injury. The rearranged card will be shown live on television and streaming platforms, marking the inaugural show in a fresh collaboration between the broadcaster and promotion company. When Is Anthony Joshua's Next Bout? The boxing world is waiting for news on a bout schedule for former champion Anthony Joshua. Joshua has not fought since his devastating fifth-round knockout defeat at the hands of fellow Briton Dubois in September 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 "50-50 he will return for a warm-up fight 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," 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 expressed desire to compete in Africa, but it is unlikely he will feature on Matchroom's expected card in Ghana on 20 December. His aspiration to box in Africa may have to wait until February. What's Next for Moses Itauma? Young prospect Moses Itauma is the UK's promising heavyweight talent—but the young fighter hasn't confirmed his next bout. Itauma boosted his standing 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 schedule is uncertain for the Chatham heavyweight, who is discovering the complexities of boxing negotiations. WBA 'regular' champion Kubrat Pulev was ordered to defend his belt against Itauma on 14 October, but the 44 year-old has announced plans to fight opponent Murat Gassiev on December 12th. 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 mentioned as a possible challenger for the unified champion, but the champion dismissed those speculations earlier this month. As for the veteran Chisora, he was present at the O2 Arena alongside other heavyweight contenders 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? Forecasting Tyson Fury's future has always been challenging. The former world champion announced his retirement in winter after suffering a second defeat to Usyk a month earlier. Over the past nine months, Fury has hinted at returns then changed his mind. 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 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 associate and sparring partner Parker—and that could have sparked his interest.