🔗 Share this article What's Next for the Heavyweight Boxing Scene After Wardley's Big Win? Fabio Wardley has catapulted himself into the heavyweight title conversation after a shocking late-round knockout win against former champion Joseph Parker at London's O2 Arena. The remarkable win extended Wardley's undefeated record to 21 fights—20 victories and one draw—with an notable 19 knockout wins. Wardley also claimed Parker's interim WBO championship 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 undefeated two-weight undisputed champion? Which bouts are scheduled? And what other bouts might be possible? Is a Usyk-Wardley Bout Likely? The champion impressed again when stopping Daniel Dubois to become a repeat undisputed heavyweight titleholder in the summer. Just five days after that victory, the WBO ordered the veteran fighter to start talks for a title defense against his mandatory opponent Parker. But the Ukrainian sustained a back injury and was granted an extended period 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 governing body hasn't issued a new order for Usyk to face his mandatory opponent, but might act shortly following Wardley's win. Wardley made no secret of his desire to face the champion next after his recent victory. "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 elevate Wardley to champion status. If that scenario plays out then former IBF champion 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 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 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 autumn 2024. The veteran underwent elbow surgery in spring 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 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 doubtful he'll appear 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 the UK's promising heavyweight talent—but the 20-year-old is yet to finalise his next contest. 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 date is now in doubt for the fighter from Chatham, who is learning the hard way about boxing politics. Titleholder Kubrat Pulev was mandated to defend his title against Itauma on October 14th, but the veteran has revealed intentions to fight Russian Murat Gassiev on 12 December. The mandate gives both camps 30 days to reach agreement. 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 mentioned as a possible challenger for the unified champion, but the Ukrainian downplayed those rumours earlier this month. As for the veteran 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 always been challenging. The two-time heavyweight champion announced his retirement in winter after losing against Usyk for a second time a few weeks prior. Over the past nine months, Fury has hinted at returns then changed his mind. Fury has spoken of a desire to get in the ring with Joshua before stating he has achieved everything he wanted to 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.