What's Next for the Heavyweight Division After Wardley's Victory?

The British boxer Fabio Wardley has propelled himself into the heavyweight title conversation after a stunning 11th-round stoppage win against former champion Joseph Parker at London's O2 Arena.

The remarkable win extended Wardley's unbeaten streak to 21 fights—20 wins and a draw—with an notable 19 knockout wins.

Wardley also captured Parker's WBO 'interim' title and is now positioned for a career-defining chance against undefeated undisputed champion 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?

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 July.

Just five days after that victory, the World Boxing Organization mandated the veteran fighter to begin negotiations 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.

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 might act shortly following Wardley's victory.

Wardley was vocal about wanting to fight the titleholder next after his latest win.

"I have one thing to say - Usyk, Usyk," he said in his post-fight interview.

The ex-cruiserweight titleholder may even decide to swerve Wardley.

If he does, the WBO could force him to vacate their belt and upgrade Wardley to champion.

If that situation unfolds then former IBF champion Dubois could emerge as a potential opponent for Wardley.

Which Bouts Are Confirmed?

With the champion still deciding his next fight, the heavyweight scene has stalled.

There are no world-level fights on the agenda in the closing months of next year.

There is a British heavyweight title contest on 29 November when Frazer Clarke faces Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva at Derby's Vaillant Arena.

The bout was originally scheduled for 25 October before Tshikeva suffered an injury.

The rearranged card will be shown live on television and streaming platforms, marking the inaugural show in a fresh collaboration between BBC Sport and Boxxer.

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 veteran underwent elbow surgery in spring 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 suggested Joshua might appear on an event in California on 13 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," 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 wait until February.

When Could Itauma Fight Next?

Rising star Moses Itauma is the UK's promising heavyweight talent—but the young fighter hasn't confirmed his next bout.

Itauma boosted his standing with a quick knockout of Dillian Whyte in August, extending his unbeaten record to 13 victories with 11 stoppage wins.

In the aftermath of that stunning win, Itauma was connected to fights with 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 fighter from Chatham, who is discovering the complexities of boxing negotiations.

Titleholder Kubrat Pulev was ordered to defend his belt against Itauma on October 14th, but the veteran has revealed intentions to fight Russian Murat Gassiev on December 12th.

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 mentioned as a possible challenger for the unified champion, 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 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 former world 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 spoken of a desire to get in the ring with Joshua before stating he has achieved everything he wanted to 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 veteran attended Wardley's victory against friend and training partner Parker—and that could have sparked his interest.

Shannon Holland
Shannon Holland

A seasoned gaming journalist with over a decade of experience in online casinos and slot game analysis.