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The British boxer Fabio Wardley has catapulted himself into the heavyweight title conversation after a stunning late-round knockout win against former champion Joseph Parker at the O2 Arena in London.

The remarkable win extended Wardley's undefeated record to 21 fights—20 victories and one draw—with an notable 19 knockout wins.

Wardley also captured Parker's interim WBO championship and is now positioned for a life-changing opportunity against undefeated unified titleholder the Ukrainian champion Oleksandr Usyk.

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

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

Will Usyk Fight Wardley?

Usyk once again dazzled when defeating Daniel Dubois by stoppage to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion in the summer.

Just five days after that victory, the WBO ordered the veteran fighter 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 begin talks with Parker's team.

The champion stated recently he wanted to fight for another two years but had no intention of fighting next year.

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 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 scenario plays out then former IBF champion Dubois could emerge as a potential opponent 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 world-level fights on the agenda 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 the Vaillant Arena in Derby.

The fight was initially planned for October 25th before Tshikeva suffered an injury.

The rescheduled event will be broadcast on BBC Two and iPlayer, 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 fellow Briton Dubois in autumn 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 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 made clear his intention to fight in Africa, but it is doubtful he'll appear 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 young fighter hasn't confirmed his next bout.

Itauma further enhanced his reputation with a quick knockout 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 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 schedule is uncertain for the fighter from Chatham, who is learning the hard way about boxing politics.

WBA 'regular' champion 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 December 12th.

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 Ukrainian downplayed those rumours 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 Wardley's win over Parker.

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 never been easy.

The former world champion announced his retirement in winter after losing against Usyk for a second time 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 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.