After Dubois’ dominant win, what’s next for heavyweight boxing?
Daniel Dubois’ emphatic knockout of Fabio Wardley at London’s O2 Arena has cemented his place among the heavyweight elite. The 29‑year‑old stopped the British contender in just two rounds, retaining his title with a performance far more decisive than their thrilling first meeting in May. With that victory, Dubois can now set his sights on unification bouts and some of the sport’s biggest names.
In the meantime, Oleksandr Usyk is edging toward retirement, while Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua are finally preparing for their long‑awaited clash, and a new cohort of world champions is eager to make their mark. The question now is what lies ahead for the division and for the fighters involved.
**Dubois’s next opponent**
IBF champion Filip Hrgović entered the arena after Dubois’s win, signaling interest in a rematch. Dubois had previously defeated the Croatian in June 2024, but Hrgović rebounded by winning the vacant IBF belt against British prospect Moses Itauma in August. At 34, Hrgović now faces mandatory challenger Frank Sánchez of Cuba. Promoter Frank Warren is working to schedule Hrgović’s first defense in Croatia early next year, a plan that could postpone a second bout with Dubois.
The most lucrative fight for Dubois would likely be a showdown with the winner of Fury and Joshua’s December meeting. “All those names are there to do a unification fight next year and that’s what we’ll be working on,” Warren said.
**Wardley’s path forward**
Wardley proved he can compete at world level, but the manner of his defeat highlighted a gap in technical skill. A bout against a lower‑ranked opponent could help rebuild his confidence, though it remains to be seen whether he can adjust enough to re‑enter the elite tier.
**Fury vs. Joshua**
After years of stalled negotiations, Fury and Joshua are finally booked for a December 11‑12 clash at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium. The event, streamed on Netflix, sold about 80,000 tickets within an hour of going on sale. Warren has announced that the vacant WBA “super” title will be on the line, potentially opening the door to unification fights in 2027. WBA “regular” champion Murat Gassiev has challenged the decision and called for a bout with the winner, but that is unlikely to be a priority for the Britons, who are each expected to earn close to $100 million (£75 million). A rematch could bring another massive payday, especially if the first fight is close or controversial, while a one‑sided loss might push the loser toward retirement.
**The forgotten champion – Agit Kabayel**
Germany’s Agit Kabayel, 34, has compiled an impressive record, stopping Arslanbek Makhmudov, Frank Sánchez and Zhilei Zhang. Elevated to WBC champion when Usyk vacated, Kabayel will defend his title against Albania’s Nelson Hysa on November 28. A unification bout with Dubois in 2027 could raise his profile dramatically.
**Usyk’s final chapter and the Verhoeven‑Wilder saga**
Usyk gave up the WBA, WBC and IBF belts in June, giving him control over the final phase of his career. The unbeaten Ukrainian, who beat former kick‑boxing champion Rico Verhoeven in May, has hinted at one last fight before retirement. Verhoeven, after a controversial stoppage loss in the 11th round, has expressed a desire for a rematch and says he has accepted an offer to fight Deontay Wilder on the Fury‑Joshua undercard. Wilder has not yet committed and is also linked to cruiserweight Jai Opetaia. Negotiations for a third Usyk‑Fury encounter have been floated, but with Usyk already victorious over Fury, Joshua and Dubois twice each, his legacy appears secure.
**Moses Itauma’s rebuild**
Itauma’s ascent to a world‑title shot ended with his first professional loss to Hrgović. The 21‑year‑old is expected back in the ring in January, with Warren promising credible opposition rather than a simple confidence‑builder. The focus will be on developing stamina, pacing and tactical patience for twelve‑round fights before another title shot. A rematch with Hrgović could happen later, but there is no rush.
**Other developments**
In the United States, Jarrell Miller remains highly ranked, while Jared Anderson and Olympic silver‑medallist Richard Torrez Jr are working on comebacks. New Zealand’s former world champion Joseph Parker is seeking a return after his provisional doping suspension was lifted in August. Australia’s Teremoana has stopped all twelve of his professional opponents within two rounds, and Uzbekistan’s two‑time Olympic champion Bakhodir Jalolov extended his unbeaten streak by defeating Solomon Dacres on Saturday.