🔗 Share this article

Fabio Wardley has propelled himself into the heavyweight title conversation after a stunning late-round knockout win against former champion Joseph Parker at London's O2 Arena.

The remarkable win extended Wardley's unbeaten streak to 21 fights—20 wins and a draw—with an notable 19 knockout wins.

Wardley also captured Parker's interim WBO championship and is now in line for a career-defining chance against unbeaten unified titleholder Oleksandr Usyk.

But is Wardley likely to face at the undefeated two-weight undisputed champion?

Which bouts are scheduled? And what matchups could materialize?

Is a Usyk-Wardley Bout Likely?

The champion impressed again when defeating Daniel Dubois by stoppage to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion in July.

Just five days after that victory, 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 begin talks with Parker's team.

Usyk said earlier this month he wanted to fight for another two 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 might act shortly following Wardley's victory.

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 organization might strip him of the title and elevate Wardley to champion status.

If that scenario plays out then ex-IBF titleholder Dubois could emerge as a potential opponent 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 British heavyweight title contest on 29 November when Frazer Clarke faces Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva at the Vaillant Arena in Derby.

The bout was originally scheduled for October 25th 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 boxing world is waiting for news on a bout schedule for former 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 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 hinted Joshua could be added to a card 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," 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 doubtful he'll appear on the anticipated Ghana event on December 20th.

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 20-year-old is yet to finalise his next contest.

Itauma further enhanced his reputation with a quick knockout of Dillian Whyte in August, extending his perfect record to 13 wins with 11 stoppage wins.

In the wake of that impressive victory, Itauma was connected to fights with several top contenders.

Team Itauma were considering a fight in December, with veteran Chisora indicating they might appear together on a December date 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 mandated to defend his title against Itauma on October 14th, but the 44 year-old has announced plans 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 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 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 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 two-time heavyweight champion announced his retirement in January 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 spoken of a desire to get in the ring with Joshua before stating he has achieved everything he wanted to and is happy to stay on the other side of the ropes.

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 might have whet his appetite.