🔗 Share this article The Future for the Heavyweight Division After Wardley's Big Win? Fabio Wardley has propelled himself into the heavyweight title conversation after a shocking 11th-round stoppage win against Joseph Parker at the O2 Arena in London. The remarkable win extended Wardley's unbeaten streak to 21 fights—20 victories and one draw—with an notable 19 knockout wins. Wardley also took Parker's WBO 'interim' title and is now in line for a career-defining chance against undefeated unified titleholder 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? The champion impressed again when defeating Daniel Dubois by stoppage to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion in the summer. Just five days after that victory, the WBO ordered the veteran fighter 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 face his mandatory opponent, but could do so soon following Wardley's win. Wardley was vocal about wanting to fight the titleholder next after his recent victory. "I have one thing to say - Usyk, Usyk," he stated after the fight. The ex-cruiserweight titleholder 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 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 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 29 November when Frazer Clarke and Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva meet at Derby's Vaillant Arena. The fight was initially planned 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 BBC Sport and Boxxer. When Is Anthony Joshua's Next Bout? The fight community anticipates updates 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 36-year-old had elbow surgery in May and there have been rumors of a potential December return. Matchroom 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 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 Matchroom's expected card in Ghana 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 August, extending his unbeaten record to 13 victories with 11 knockouts. In the wake of that impressive victory, Itauma was linked with bouts against several top contenders. 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 Chatham heavyweight, who is learning the hard way about boxing politics. Titleholder Kubrat Pulev was ordered to defend his belt against Itauma on October 14th, but the 44 year-old has announced plans to fight opponent Murat Gassiev on December 12th. The mandate gives both camps 30 days to reach agreement. Promoter 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 suggested as a potential opponent for undisputed champion Usyk, but the Ukrainian downplayed those rumours earlier this month. As for Chisora, he was present at the O2 Arena alongside other heavyweight contenders 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". Is Fury Really Retired? Forecasting Tyson Fury's future has never been easy. The former world champion announced his retirement in January after losing against Usyk for a second time a few weeks prior. 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 content to remain outside the ring. 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 associate and sparring partner Parker—and that could have sparked his interest.