🔗 Share this article

The British boxer Fabio Wardley has propelled himself into the world title picture after a surprising late-round knockout win against Joseph Parker at the O2 Arena in London.

This impressive victory extended Wardley's undefeated record to 21 professional bouts—20 wins and a draw—with an impressive 19 stoppages.

Wardley also claimed Parker's interim WBO championship and is now positioned for a career-defining chance against undefeated unified titleholder the Ukrainian champion Oleksandr Usyk.

But will Wardley get his shot at the reigning two-division champion?

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

Will Usyk Fight Wardley?

The champion impressed again when stopping Daniel Dubois to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion in July.

Shortly after that win, 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 granted an extended period to begin talks with Parker's team.

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 governing body hasn't issued a new order for Usyk to negotiate with his mandatory challenger, but might act shortly following Wardley's victory.

Wardley was vocal about wanting to face the champion 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 choose to avoid Wardley.

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

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 division has been on pause.

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 the Vaillant Arena in Derby.

The fight was initially planned for October 25th before TKV picked up an injury.

The rescheduled event will be broadcast on BBC Two and iPlayer, marking the inaugural show in a fresh collaboration between the broadcaster and promotion company.

When Will Joshua Fight Next?

The fight community anticipates updates on a bout schedule for former champion British star Anthony Joshua.

Joshua has been absent since his brutal fifth-round loss 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 "50-50 he will return for a warm-up fight 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," 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 unlikely he will feature on the anticipated Ghana event 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 young fighter hasn't confirmed his next bout.

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

His team explored a December bout, with veteran Chisora indicating they might appear together 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 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.

Queensberry's 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 mentioned as a possible challenger for the unified champion, but the Ukrainian downplayed those rumours earlier this month.

As for the veteran Chisora, he appeared on stage 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".

Has Tyson Fury Actually Retired?

Predicting what happens next for Tyson Fury has never been easy.

The former world champion declared his retirement in January after suffering a second defeat to Usyk 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 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 veteran attended Wardley's victory against friend and training partner Parker—and that might have whet his appetite.