🔗 Share this article

The British boxer Fabio Wardley has thrust himself into the heavyweight title conversation after a surprising late-round knockout win against former champion Joseph Parker at London's O2 Arena.

The remarkable win extended Wardley's undefeated record to 21 professional bouts—20 victories and one draw—with an notable 19 knockout wins.

Wardley also captured Parker's WBO 'interim' title and is now in line for a career-defining chance against unbeaten unified titleholder Oleksandr Usyk.

But is Wardley likely to face at the reigning two-division champion?

What other fights are happening? And what other bouts might be possible?

Is a Usyk-Wardley Bout Likely?

Usyk once again dazzled when stopping Daniel Dubois to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion in July.

Just five days after that victory, the World Boxing Organization mandated the 38-year-old to begin negotiations for a defense against mandatory challenger Parker.

But the Ukrainian sustained a back injury and was given additional time to begin talks with Parker's team.

Usyk said earlier this month he planned to continue boxing for two more 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 win.

Wardley made no secret of his desire to fight the titleholder next after his recent victory.

"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 organization might strip him of the title and elevate Wardley to champion status.

If that situation unfolds then former IBF champion Dubois could become a possible contender for Wardley.

Which Bouts Are Confirmed?

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

There are no major championship bouts scheduled in the final two months of 2025.

There is a UK heavyweight championship fight 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 Will Joshua Fight Next?

The boxing world is waiting for news on a bout schedule for former champion Anthony Joshua.

Joshua has been absent since his brutal fifth-round loss at the hands of fellow Briton Dubois in autumn 2024.

The 36-year-old had elbow surgery in spring and there have been rumors of a potential December return.

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 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 December 20th.

His aspiration to box in Africa may have to be postponed until early next year.

When Could Itauma Fight Next?

Rising star Moses Itauma is the UK's promising heavyweight talent—but the 20-year-old is yet to finalise his next contest.

Itauma boosted his standing with a quick knockout of Dillian Whyte in late summer, extending his perfect record to 13 wins with 11 knockouts.

In the wake of that impressive victory, Itauma was connected to fights with 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 schedule is uncertain for the fighter from Chatham, who is learning the hard way about boxing politics.

WBA 'regular' champion Kubrat Pulev was mandated to defend his title against Itauma on 14 October, but the veteran has revealed intentions to fight Russian Murat Gassiev on 12 December.

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 champion dismissed those speculations 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".

Is Fury Really Retired?

Forecasting Tyson Fury's future has never been easy.

The former world champion declared his retirement in winter after losing against Usyk for a second time a month earlier.

Over the recent months, Fury has teased comebacks and then subsequently backtracked.

Fury has spoken of a desire to get in the ring with 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 friend and training partner Parker—and that could have sparked his interest.