What Lies Ahead for the Heavyweight Division After Wardley's Victory?
The British boxer Fabio Wardley has propelled himself into the heavyweight title conversation after a stunning late-round knockout win against 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 claimed Parker's interim WBO championship and is now in line for a life-changing opportunity against unbeaten unified titleholder the Ukrainian champion 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?
Usyk once again dazzled when stopping Daniel Dubois to become a repeat undisputed heavyweight titleholder in the summer.
Just five days after that victory, 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 begin talks with Parker's team.
Usyk said earlier this month he planned to continue boxing for two more years but had no intention of fighting next year.
The WBO has not made a fresh call for Usyk to negotiate with his mandatory challenger, but might act shortly 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 said in his post-fight interview.
The ex-cruiserweight titleholder may even decide to swerve Wardley.
If he does, the WBO could force him to vacate their belt and upgrade Wardley to champion.
If that situation unfolds then former IBF champion Dubois could become a possible contender for Wardley.
What Fights Do We Know Are Happening?
With the champion still deciding his next fight, the heavyweight scene has stalled.
There are no major championship bouts scheduled 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 BBC Two and iPlayer, marking the inaugural show in a fresh collaboration between the broadcaster and promotion company.
When Is Anthony Joshua's Next Bout?
The boxing world is waiting for news 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 compatriot Daniel Dubois in autumn 2024.
The 36-year-old had elbow surgery in spring and there have been rumors of a potential December return.
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 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 made clear his intention to fight in Africa, but it is doubtful he'll appear on the anticipated Ghana event on 20 December.
His aspiration to box in Africa 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 first-round stoppage of Dillian Whyte in August, extending his unbeaten record to 13 victories with 11 stoppage wins.
In the wake of that impressive victory, Itauma was connected to fights with Filip Hrgovic, Michael Hunter and domestic rival David Adeleye.
Team Itauma were considering a fight in December, 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 mandated to defend his title against Itauma on 14 October, but the veteran has revealed intentions to fight opponent Murat Gassiev on 12 December.
The WBA order means both sides have 30 days to negotiate a deal.
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 Chisora, he was present 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?
Predicting what happens next for Tyson Fury has never been easy.
The former world champion announced his retirement in winter after losing against Usyk for a second time a few weeks prior.
Over the past nine months, Fury has teased comebacks and then subsequently backtracked.
Fury has expressed interest in fighting 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 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.