The Future for the Heavyweight Division After Wardley's Victory?
The British boxer Fabio Wardley has propelled himself into the world title picture after a surprising 11th-round stoppage win against former champion Joseph Parker at London's O2 Arena.
This impressive victory extended Wardley's undefeated record to 21 professional bouts—20 wins and a draw—with an notable 19 knockout wins.
Wardley also took Parker's WBO 'interim' title and is now in line for a career-defining chance against unbeaten undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk.
But is Wardley likely to face at the undefeated two-weight undisputed champion?
What other fights are happening? 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 July.
Shortly after that win, the WBO ordered the 38-year-old to start talks for a defense against mandatory challenger Parker.
But the Ukrainian sustained a back injury and was granted an extended period to negotiate with Parker's camp.
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 face his mandatory opponent, but might act shortly following Wardley's victory.
Wardley made no secret of his desire 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 decide to swerve Wardley.
If he does, the organization might strip him of the title and elevate Wardley to champion status.
If that scenario plays out 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 division has been on pause.
There are no world-level fights on the agenda in the final two months of 2025.
There is a British heavyweight title contest on 29 November when Frazer Clarke faces Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva at the Vaillant Arena in Derby.
The fight was initially planned for 25 October before Tshikeva suffered an injury.
The rearranged card will be shown live on BBC Two and iPlayer, 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 British star Anthony Joshua.
Joshua has not fought since his devastating fifth-round knockout defeat at the hands of compatriot Daniel Dubois in September 2024.
The 36-year-old had elbow surgery in May and there have been murmurs about a possible date in December.
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 event in Saudi Arabia on 27 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 unlikely he will feature on Matchroom's expected card in Ghana on 20 December.
His dream of fighting on the continent may have to wait until February.
What's Next for Moses Itauma?
Young prospect 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 first-round stoppage of Dillian Whyte in late summer, extending his perfect record to 13 wins with 11 stoppage wins.
In the aftermath of that stunning win, Itauma was linked with bouts against several top contenders.
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 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 suggested as a potential opponent for undisputed champion Usyk, but the Ukrainian downplayed those rumours earlier this month.
As for the veteran Chisora, he was present at the O2 Arena alongside other heavyweight contenders 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 always been challenging.
The former world champion announced his retirement in January after suffering a second defeat to Usyk a few weeks prior.
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 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 37-year-old was ringside to watch Wardley's win against associate and sparring partner Parker—and that might have whet his appetite.