What Lies Ahead for the Heavyweight Boxing Scene After Wardley's Big Win?
The British boxer Fabio Wardley has catapulted himself into the heavyweight title conversation after a stunning late-round knockout win against 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 impressive 19 stoppages.
Wardley also took Parker's interim WBO championship and is now in line for a career-defining chance against unbeaten undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk.
But is Wardley likely to face at the reigning two-division champion?
Which bouts are scheduled? And what other bouts might be possible?
Will Usyk Fight Wardley?
Usyk once again dazzled when defeating Daniel Dubois by stoppage to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion in July.
Just five days after that victory, the WBO ordered the 38-year-old to begin negotiations for a title defense against his mandatory opponent Parker.
But the Ukrainian sustained a back injury and was granted an extended period to negotiate with Parker's camp.
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 face his mandatory opponent, but could do so soon following Wardley's victory.
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 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 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 scene has stalled.
There are no major championship bouts scheduled in the final two months of 2025.
There is a British heavyweight title contest on 29 November when Frazer Clarke and Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva meet 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 television and streaming platforms, marking the first event in a new partnership between the broadcaster and promotion company.
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 September 2024.
The 36-year-old had elbow surgery in May and there have been murmurs about a possible date in December.
Matchroom 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 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," 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 aspiration to box in Africa may have to be postponed until early next year.
What's Next for Moses Itauma?
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 first-round stoppage of Dillian Whyte in late summer, extending his perfect record to 13 wins with 11 stoppage wins.
In the wake of that impressive victory, Itauma was linked with bouts against 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 date is now in doubt for the Chatham heavyweight, who is learning the hard way about boxing politics.
WBA 'regular' champion Kubrat Pulev was ordered to defend his belt against Itauma on 14 October, but the veteran has revealed intentions to fight Russian Murat Gassiev on 12 December.
The mandate gives both camps 30 days to reach agreement.
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 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 fellow British heavyweight Whyte and American Jarrell Miller 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 declared his retirement in January after losing against Usyk for a second time 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 claiming he's accomplished all his goals 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 37-year-old was ringside to watch Wardley's win against friend and training partner Parker—and that could have sparked his interest.