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The British boxer Fabio Wardley has thrust 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 victories and one draw—with an impressive 19 stoppages.

Wardley also took Parker's interim WBO championship and is now in line for a life-changing opportunity against unbeaten unified titleholder Oleksandr Usyk.

But is Wardley likely to face at the reigning two-division champion?

Which bouts are scheduled? 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.

Just five days after that victory, the World Boxing Organization mandated the 38-year-old to start talks for a title defense against his mandatory opponent 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 planned to continue boxing for two more years but did not plan to step back into the ring in 2025.

The WBO has not made a fresh call for Usyk to negotiate with his mandatory challenger, but might act shortly following Wardley's victory.

Wardley was vocal about wanting 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 former IBF champion 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 closing months of next year.

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

The fight was initially planned for October 25th before TKV picked up an injury.

The rescheduled event will be broadcast on television and streaming platforms, 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 fight date for two-time heavyweight champion British star Anthony Joshua.

Joshua has been absent since his brutal fifth-round loss at the hands of compatriot Daniel Dubois in autumn 2024.

The 36-year-old had elbow surgery in spring and there have been murmurs about a possible date in December.

Matchroom 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 the West Coast in 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 the anticipated Ghana event on December 20th.

His aspiration to box in Africa may have to wait until February.

When Could Itauma Fight Next?

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 August, extending his perfect record to 13 wins with 11 stoppage wins.

In the aftermath of that stunning win, 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 13 December in Manchester.

But that schedule is uncertain 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 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 represents 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 appeared on stage at the O2 Arena alongside fellow British heavyweight Whyte and American Jarrell Miller before Wardley's win over Parker.

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".

Has Tyson Fury Actually Retired?

Forecasting Tyson Fury's future has never been easy.

The two-time heavyweight champion declared his retirement in January after suffering a second defeat to Usyk a month earlier.

Over the recent months, Fury has hinted at returns then changed his mind.

Fury has spoken of a desire to get in the ring with Joshua before claiming he's accomplished all his goals 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 could have sparked his interest.