The Future for the Heavyweight Division After Wardley's Big Win?
The British boxer Fabio Wardley has propelled himself into the heavyweight title conversation after a shocking 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 impressive 19 stoppages.
Wardley also captured Parker's WBO 'interim' title and is now positioned for a career-defining chance against unbeaten undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk.
But will Wardley get his shot at the undefeated two-weight undisputed champion?
Which bouts are scheduled? And what matchups could materialize?
Is a Usyk-Wardley Bout Likely?
Usyk once again dazzled when defeating Daniel Dubois by stoppage to become a repeat undisputed heavyweight titleholder in the summer.
Shortly after that win, the World Boxing Organization mandated the 38-year-old to start talks for a defense against mandatory challenger 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 wanted to fight for another two years but had no intention of fighting next year.
The WBO has not made a fresh call for Usyk to face his mandatory opponent, but could do so soon 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 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 situation unfolds then former IBF champion Dubois could emerge as a potential opponent for Wardley.
Which Bouts Are Confirmed?
With Usyk yet to make his next move, the heavyweight division has been on pause.
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 fight was initially planned for October 25th before Tshikeva suffered an injury.
The rearranged card will be shown live on television and streaming platforms, marking the first event in a new partnership between BBC Sport and Boxxer.
When Is Anthony Joshua's Next Bout?
The boxing world is waiting for news on a fight date for two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua.
Joshua has been absent since his brutal fifth-round loss 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 "50-50 he will return for a warm-up fight 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 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 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 perfect record to 13 wins with 11 stoppage wins.
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 veteran Chisora indicating they might appear together on 13 December in Manchester.
But that schedule is uncertain for the fighter from Chatham, who is learning the hard way about boxing politics.
Titleholder Kubrat Pulev was ordered to defend his belt against Itauma on 14 October, but the 44 year-old has announced plans to fight opponent Murat Gassiev on 12 December.
The mandate gives both camps 30 days to reach agreement.
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 champion dismissed those speculations earlier this month.
As for Chisora, he appeared on stage 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".
Is Fury Really Retired?
Predicting what happens next for Tyson Fury 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 interview on FurociTV, 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.