The Future for the Heavyweight Division After Wardley's Big Win?
Fabio Wardley has thrust himself into the world title picture after a shocking late-round knockout win against former champion Joseph Parker at London's O2 Arena.
The remarkable win extended Wardley's undefeated record to 21 fights—20 wins and a draw—with an impressive 19 stoppages.
Wardley also took 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?
The champion impressed again when defeating Daniel Dubois by stoppage to become a repeat undisputed heavyweight titleholder in the summer.
Shortly after that win, the WBO ordered the 38-year-old to start talks for a title defense against his mandatory opponent Parker.
But the fighter suffered a back issue 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 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 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 stated after the fight.
The ex-cruiserweight titleholder may even decide to swerve Wardley.
If he does, the WBO could force him to vacate their belt and elevate Wardley to champion status.
If that situation unfolds then ex-IBF titleholder 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 major championship bouts scheduled in the final two months of 2025.
There is a UK heavyweight championship fight on November 29th 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 rescheduled event will be broadcast on television and streaming platforms, marking the inaugural show in a fresh collaboration between BBC Sport and Boxxer.
When Will Joshua Fight Next?
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 36-year-old had elbow surgery in May and there have been rumors of a potential December return.
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 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," Hearn told Ring Magazine.
"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 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 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 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 Derek Chisora suggesting he would share a card on 13 December in Manchester.
But that date is now in doubt for the fighter from Chatham, who is discovering the complexities of boxing negotiations.
Titleholder Kubrat Pulev was mandated to defend his title against Itauma on October 14th, but the veteran has revealed intentions to fight Russian Murat Gassiev on December 12th.
The mandate gives both camps 30 days to reach agreement.
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 mentioned as a possible challenger for the unified champion, but the champion dismissed those speculations earlier this month.
As for the veteran Chisora, he was present at the O2 Arena alongside fellow British heavyweight Whyte and American Jarrell Miller 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 former world champion announced his retirement in January after losing against Usyk for a second time a few weeks prior.
Over the past nine months, Fury has hinted at returns then changed his mind.
Fury has expressed interest in fighting Joshua before stating he has achieved everything he wanted to and is content to remain outside the ring.
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 might have whet his appetite.