🔗 Share this article

Fabio Wardley has catapulted himself into the world title picture after a surprising late-round knockout win against former champion Joseph Parker at London's O2 Arena.

This impressive victory extended Wardley's unbeaten streak to 21 professional bouts—20 victories and one draw—with an notable 19 knockout wins.

Wardley also took Parker's WBO 'interim' title and is now positioned for a career-defining chance against undefeated unified titleholder Oleksandr Usyk.

But is Wardley likely to face at the undefeated two-weight undisputed champion?

Which bouts are scheduled? 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 July.

Shortly after that win, the WBO ordered the 38-year-old 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.

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 win.

Wardley made no secret of his desire to face the champion next after his recent victory.

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

If that scenario plays out then ex-IBF titleholder Dubois could become a possible contender for Wardley.

What Fights Do We Know Are Happening?

With Usyk yet to make his next move, the heavyweight scene has stalled.

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 and Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva meet at the Vaillant Arena in Derby.

The bout was originally scheduled for October 25th before TKV picked up an injury.

The rescheduled event will be broadcast on television and streaming platforms, marking the inaugural show in a fresh collaboration between the broadcaster and promotion company.

When Is Anthony Joshua's Next Bout?

The fight community anticipates updates on a fight date for two-time heavyweight champion British star Anthony Joshua.

Joshua has not fought since his devastating fifth-round knockout defeat at the hands of fellow Briton 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 "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," 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 December 20th.

His dream of fighting on the continent may have to be postponed until early next year.

What's Next for Moses Itauma?

Young prospect 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 late summer, extending his unbeaten record to 13 victories with 11 knockouts.

In the aftermath of that stunning win, 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 a December date in Manchester.

But that date is now in doubt for the fighter from Chatham, who is learning the hard way about boxing politics.

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 12 December.

The WBA order means both sides have 30 days to negotiate a deal.

Queensberry's 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 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 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 suffering a second defeat to Usyk a month earlier.

Over the recent 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 content to remain outside the ring.

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 might have whet his appetite.