The Future for the Heavyweight Boxing Scene After Wardley's Big Win?
The British boxer Fabio Wardley has thrust himself into the heavyweight title conversation after a shocking 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 fights—20 wins and a draw—with an notable 19 knockout wins.
Wardley also took Parker's WBO 'interim' title and is now positioned for a career-defining chance against undefeated undisputed champion the Ukrainian champion Oleksandr Usyk.
But is Wardley likely to face 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 two-time undisputed heavyweight champion 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.
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 governing body hasn't issued a new order 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 recent victory.
"I have one thing to say - Usyk, Usyk," he stated after the fight.
The ex-cruiserweight titleholder may even decide to swerve Wardley.
If he does, the organization might strip him of the title and upgrade Wardley to champion.
If that situation unfolds then former IBF champion Dubois could become a possible contender for Wardley.
What Fights Do We Know Are Happening?
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 Derby's Vaillant Arena.
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 inaugural show in a fresh collaboration between BBC Sport and Boxxer.
When Will Joshua Fight Next?
The fight community anticipates updates 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 fellow Briton Dubois in autumn 2024.
The veteran underwent elbow surgery in May and there have been rumors of a potential December return.
Promoter Eddie Hearn said it's "uncertain if he'll have a tune-up bout this year", but also hinted Joshua could be added to a card 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 the anticipated Ghana event 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 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 late summer, extending his unbeaten record to 13 victories with 11 knockouts.
In the aftermath of that stunning win, Itauma was linked with bouts against Filip Hrgovic, Michael Hunter and domestic rival David Adeleye.
His team explored a December bout, with veteran Chisora indicating they might appear together on a December date in Manchester.
But that date is now in doubt for the fighter from Chatham, who is discovering the complexities of boxing negotiations.
Titleholder 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 December 12th.
The WBA order means both sides have 30 days to negotiate a deal.
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 Ukrainian downplayed those rumours 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 potential fights and asked if we could see Chisora and Whyte meet for a third time, Chisora said "yes, if the contract is right", before adding that it will "100% happen in December".
Has Tyson Fury Actually Retired?
Forecasting Tyson Fury's future 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 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 happy to stay on the other side of the ropes.
During a recent interview on FurociTV, 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 might have whet his appetite.