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Fabio Wardley has catapulted himself into the heavyweight title conversation after a surprising late-round knockout 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 impressive 19 stoppages.

Wardley also captured Parker's WBO 'interim' title 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?

What other fights are happening? And what matchups could materialize?

Will Usyk Fight Wardley?

The champion impressed again when defeating Daniel Dubois by stoppage to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion in July.

Shortly after that win, the World Boxing Organization mandated the 38-year-old to begin negotiations for a title defense against his mandatory opponent 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 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 might act shortly following Wardley's win.

Wardley was vocal about wanting to fight the titleholder next after his recent victory.

"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 ex-IBF titleholder Dubois could emerge as a potential opponent 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 world-level fights on the agenda in the closing months of next year.

There is a British heavyweight title contest on November 29th when Frazer Clarke and Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva meet at Derby's Vaillant Arena.

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 Will Joshua Fight Next?

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 compatriot Daniel Dubois in September 2024.

The 36-year-old had elbow surgery in spring 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 expressed desire to compete 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?

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

Itauma further enhanced his reputation with a first-round stoppage of Dillian Whyte in August, extending his unbeaten record to 13 victories with 11 knockouts.

In the wake of that impressive victory, Itauma was linked with bouts against Filip Hrgovic, Michael Hunter and domestic rival David Adeleye.

Team Itauma were considering a fight in December, with Derek Chisora suggesting he would share a card on a December date in Manchester.

But that date is now in doubt for the Chatham heavyweight, who is discovering the complexities of boxing negotiations.

WBA 'regular' champion Kubrat Pulev was ordered to defend his belt 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 media outlets 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 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 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 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 associate and sparring partner Parker—and that might have whet his appetite.