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The British boxer Fabio Wardley has propelled himself into the heavyweight title conversation after a shocking 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 impressive 19 stoppages.

Wardley also took Parker's WBO 'interim' title and is now in line 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?

Is a Usyk-Wardley Bout Likely?

The champion impressed again when stopping Daniel Dubois to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion 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 fighter suffered a back issue and was given additional time 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 face his mandatory opponent, but might act shortly following Wardley's victory.

Wardley made no secret of his desire to face the champion next after his latest win.

"I have one thing to say - Usyk, Usyk," he stated after the fight.

Former cruiserweight champion Usyk may even choose to avoid Wardley.

If he does, the organization might strip him of the title and upgrade Wardley to champion.

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 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 the Vaillant Arena in Derby.

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

The rescheduled event will be broadcast on BBC Two and iPlayer, marking the first event in a new partnership between BBC Sport and Boxxer.

When Will Joshua Fight Next?

The boxing world is waiting for news on a bout schedule for former champion Anthony Joshua.

Joshua has been absent since his brutal fifth-round loss at the hands of fellow Briton 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 suggested Joshua might appear on an event in California on 13 December or possibly to an show in the Middle East late 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 dream of fighting on the continent may have to wait until February.

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 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 connected to fights with several top contenders.

His team explored a December bout, with veteran Chisora indicating they might appear together 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.

WBA 'regular' champion Kubrat Pulev was mandated to defend his title against Itauma on 14 October, but the 44 year-old has announced plans to fight Russian Murat Gassiev on 12 December.

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

Promoter 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 Chisora, he was present at the O2 Arena alongside other heavyweight contenders 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 always been challenging.

The two-time heavyweight champion declared his retirement in winter after losing against Usyk for a second time a month earlier.

Over the recent months, Fury has teased comebacks and then subsequently backtracked.

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 veteran attended Wardley's victory against associate and sparring partner Parker—and that could have sparked his interest.