The Future for the Heavyweight Division After Wardley's Big Win?
Fabio Wardley has thrust himself into the world title picture after a shocking 11th-round stoppage win against former champion Joseph Parker at London's O2 Arena.
The remarkable win extended Wardley's undefeated record to 21 professional bouts—20 wins and a draw—with an impressive 19 stoppages.
Wardley also claimed 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 other bouts might be possible?
Will Usyk Fight Wardley?
The champion impressed again when defeating Daniel Dubois by stoppage to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion in the summer.
Shortly after that win, the World Boxing Organization mandated the veteran fighter to start talks for a defense against mandatory challenger Parker.
But the fighter suffered a back issue 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 did not plan to step back into the ring in 2025.
The governing body hasn't issued a new order for Usyk to negotiate with his mandatory challenger, but could do so soon following Wardley's win.
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.
Former cruiserweight champion Usyk may even choose to avoid Wardley.
If he does, the organization might strip him of the title and elevate Wardley to champion status.
If that scenario plays out then ex-IBF titleholder 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 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 October 25th before TKV picked up an injury.
The rearranged card will be shown live on television and streaming platforms, marking the first event in a new partnership between the broadcaster and promotion company.
When Is Anthony Joshua's Next Bout?
The fight community anticipates updates on a bout schedule for former champion Anthony Joshua.
Joshua has not fought since his devastating fifth-round knockout defeat at the hands of compatriot Daniel Dubois in autumn 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 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 dream of fighting on the continent may have to be postponed until early next year.
What's Next for Moses Itauma?
Rising star Moses Itauma is Britain's next great heavyweight hope—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 Filip Hrgovic, Michael Hunter and domestic rival David Adeleye.
Team Itauma were considering a fight in December, with veteran Chisora indicating they might appear together on a December date in Manchester.
But that schedule is uncertain for the Chatham heavyweight, who is discovering the complexities of boxing negotiations.
WBA 'regular' champion 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 WBA order means both sides have 30 days to negotiate a deal.
Promoter 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 suggested as a potential opponent for undisputed champion Usyk, but the Ukrainian downplayed those rumours earlier this month.
As for the veteran Chisora, he appeared on stage at the O2 Arena alongside fellow British heavyweight Whyte and American Jarrell Miller before the main event.
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".
Has Tyson Fury Actually Retired?
Forecasting Tyson Fury's future has always been challenging.
The two-time heavyweight champion declared his retirement in winter after losing against Usyk for a second time a month earlier.
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 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 associate and sparring partner Parker—and that could have sparked his interest.