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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 the O2 Arena in London.

The remarkable win extended Wardley's undefeated record to 21 professional bouts—20 victories and one draw—with an impressive 19 stoppages.

Wardley also claimed Parker's WBO 'interim' title and is now positioned for a career-defining chance against undefeated unified titleholder Oleksandr Usyk.

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

Which bouts are scheduled? And what other bouts might be possible?

Is a Usyk-Wardley Bout Likely?

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 WBO ordered the veteran fighter to begin negotiations for a defense against mandatory challenger Parker.

But the fighter suffered a back issue and was granted an extended period 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 could do so soon following Wardley's win.

Wardley made no secret of his desire to fight the titleholder next after his latest win.

"I have one thing to say - Usyk, Usyk," he said in his post-fight interview.

Former cruiserweight champion Usyk may even choose to avoid 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 become a possible contender 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 major championship bouts scheduled in the closing months of next year.

There is a UK heavyweight championship fight on November 29th when Frazer Clarke faces Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva at Derby's Vaillant Arena.

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

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

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 September 2024.

The 36-year-old had elbow surgery in spring and there have been rumors of a potential December return.

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 the West Coast in 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," 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 doubtful he'll appear on the anticipated Ghana event 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?

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 late summer, extending his unbeaten record to 13 victories with 11 stoppage wins.

In the aftermath of that stunning win, Itauma was linked with bouts against several top contenders.

His team explored a December bout, with veteran Chisora indicating they might appear together on 13 December in Manchester.

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

Titleholder 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 December 12th.

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 champion dismissed those speculations earlier this month.

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

The two-time heavyweight champion declared his retirement in winter after suffering a second defeat to Usyk 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 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 veteran attended Wardley's victory against friend and training partner Parker—and that might have whet his appetite.