The Future for the Heavyweight Boxing Scene After Wardley's Big Win?

Fabio Wardley has thrust himself into the world title picture after a stunning late-round knockout win against former champion Joseph Parker at the O2 Arena in London.

The remarkable win extended Wardley's undefeated record to 21 professional bouts—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 life-changing opportunity against undefeated undisputed champion the Ukrainian champion Oleksandr Usyk.

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

Which bouts are scheduled? And what other bouts might be possible?

Will Usyk Fight Wardley?

Usyk once again dazzled when stopping Daniel Dubois to become a repeat undisputed heavyweight titleholder in the summer.

Just five days after that victory, the WBO ordered the veteran fighter to start talks for a title defense against his mandatory opponent Parker.

But the Ukrainian sustained a back injury and was given additional time to negotiate with Parker's camp.

Usyk said earlier this month he planned to continue boxing for two more years but did not plan to step back into the ring in 2025.

The WBO has not made a fresh call 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 latest win.

"I have one thing to say - Usyk, Usyk," he stated after the fight.

Former cruiserweight champion Usyk 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.

Which Bouts Are Confirmed?

With Usyk yet to make his next move, the heavyweight scene has stalled.

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 and Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva meet at Derby's Vaillant Arena.

The bout was originally scheduled for 25 October before TKV picked up an injury.

The rescheduled event will be broadcast on BBC Two and iPlayer, marking the first event in a new partnership 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 September 2024.

The veteran underwent elbow surgery in spring and there have been rumors of a potential December return.

Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn said it's "uncertain if he'll have a tune-up bout 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 the anticipated Ghana event on December 20th.

His aspiration to box in Africa may have to be postponed until early next year.

When Could Itauma Fight Next?

Rising star 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 perfect record to 13 wins with 11 knockouts.

In the aftermath of that stunning win, 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 schedule is uncertain for the Chatham heavyweight, who is discovering the complexities of boxing negotiations.

Titleholder Kubrat Pulev was ordered to defend his belt against Itauma on 14 October, but the 44 year-old has announced plans to fight Russian Murat Gassiev on 12 December.

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

Promoter 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 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".

Has Tyson Fury Actually Retired?

Forecasting Tyson Fury's future 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 past nine months, Fury has hinted at returns then changed his mind.

Fury has expressed interest in fighting 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 friend and training partner Parker—and that could have sparked his interest.

Paul Parker
Paul Parker

Elara is a seasoned gaming journalist with a passion for slot mechanics and player advocacy, sharing insights from years in the industry.