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 former champion Joseph Parker at the O2 Arena in London.
This impressive victory extended Wardley's unbeaten streak to 21 fights—20 victories and one draw—with an notable 19 knockout wins.
Wardley also claimed Parker's WBO 'interim' title and is now positioned for a life-changing opportunity against undefeated unified titleholder the Ukrainian champion Oleksandr Usyk.
But will Wardley get his shot at the reigning two-division champion?
What other fights are happening? And what matchups could materialize?
Will Usyk Fight Wardley?
Usyk once again dazzled when stopping Daniel Dubois to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion in the summer.
Just five days after that victory, the World Boxing Organization mandated the 38-year-old to start talks for a title defense against his mandatory opponent Parker.
But the Ukrainian sustained a back injury and was granted an extended period to begin talks with Parker's team.
Usyk said earlier this month he planned to continue boxing for two more years but had no intention of fighting next year.
The governing body hasn't issued a new order for Usyk to face his mandatory opponent, but might act shortly following Wardley's victory.
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 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.
What Fights Do We Know Are Happening?
With Usyk yet to make his next move, the heavyweight scene has stalled.
There are no major championship bouts scheduled in the closing months of next year.
There is a UK heavyweight championship fight on November 29th when Frazer Clarke faces Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva at Derby's Vaillant Arena.
The fight was initially planned for 25 October before Tshikeva suffered an injury.
The rearranged card will be shown live on BBC Two and iPlayer, marking the first event in a new partnership between BBC Sport and Boxxer.
When Will Joshua Fight Next?
The boxing world is waiting for news on a fight date for two-time heavyweight 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 May and there have been murmurs about a possible date in December.
Matchroom 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 California on 13 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 made clear his intention to fight in Africa, but it is doubtful he'll appear on the anticipated Ghana event on 20 December.
His dream of fighting on the continent may have to be postponed until early next year.
When Could Itauma Fight Next?
Young prospect Moses Itauma is the UK's promising heavyweight talent—but the 20-year-old is yet to finalise his next contest.
Itauma further enhanced his reputation with a first-round stoppage of Dillian Whyte in August, extending his perfect record to 13 wins with 11 knockouts.
In the aftermath of that stunning win, Itauma was linked with bouts against several top contenders.
His team explored a December bout, with Derek Chisora suggesting he would share a card on 13 December in Manchester.
But that date is now in doubt 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.
Queensberry's Frank Warren, who promotes Itauma, told media outlets 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 other heavyweight contenders 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?
Predicting what happens next for Tyson Fury 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 past nine months, Fury has teased comebacks and then subsequently backtracked.
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 interview on FurociTV, 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 might have whet his appetite.