What's Next for the Heavyweight Division After Wardley's Big Win?

The British boxer Fabio Wardley has propelled himself into the heavyweight title conversation after a shocking late-round knockout win against former champion Joseph Parker at the O2 Arena in London.

This impressive victory extended Wardley's unbeaten streak to 21 professional bouts—20 victories and one draw—with an notable 19 knockout wins.

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

But will Wardley get his shot at the reigning two-division champion?

Which bouts are scheduled? And what matchups could materialize?

Will Usyk Fight Wardley?

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

Shortly after that win, the World Boxing Organization mandated 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 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 face his mandatory opponent, but could do so soon following Wardley's win.

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.

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 scenario plays out then ex-IBF titleholder Dubois could emerge as a potential opponent for Wardley.

Which Bouts Are Confirmed?

With Usyk yet to make his next move, the heavyweight division has been on pause.

There are no world-level fights on the agenda 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 fight was initially planned 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 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 autumn 2024.

The 36-year-old had elbow surgery in spring 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 event in Saudi Arabia on 27 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 Derek Chisora suggesting he would share a card 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 12 December.

The WBA order means both sides have 30 days to negotiate a deal.

Promoter 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 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 never been easy.

The two-time heavyweight champion announced his retirement in January 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 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 veteran attended Wardley's victory against friend and training partner Parker—and that might have whet his appetite.

Michelle Jackson
Michelle Jackson

Rafael is a passionate gaming analyst with over a decade of experience in the Portuguese betting industry, specializing in strategy development.