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A quieter year for the men's heavyweight division was belatedly ignited on October 25, 2025.
Former white-collar boxer Fabio Wardley continued his brutal knockout run when he stopped Joseph Parker in the 11th round of an enthralling contest at the O2 Arena.
It means the Englishman could be next in line to face undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk, although undefeated German contender Agit Kabayel could reasonably have something to say about that as he prepares to return to action in January
MORE: Wardley outlasts Parker in brilliant heavyweight slugfest
British superstars Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua have each been absent from the ring in 2025. Hopes remain for a long-awaited showdown between the pair in 2026, but the clock is ticking.
For now, the likes of Wardley, Dubois and fast-rising star Moses Itauma are flying the flag for Britain at world level.
Former WBC champion Deontay Wilder is looking to rebuild from his defeats to Parker and Zhilei Zhang, while Richard Torrez Jr. gives one reason for optimism amid a fairly barren American heavyweight landscape.
Heavyweight rankings: The Sporting News' top 12
The best in the world at heavyweight: Oleksandr Usyk
Oleksandr Usyk's two decision wins over Tyson Fury cemented his position as the premier heavyweight of his era.
The latter of those victories sent Fury into a disgruntled retirement. Resurgent former foe Daniel Dubois was up next and expected to pose fresh questions of Usyk, following his ninth-round defeat in August 2023.
Following that setback, Dubois reeled off wins over Jarrell Miller, Filip Hrgovic and Anthony Joshua and came into the Usyk rematch brimming with confidence.
However, the brash talk seemed to prompt a spiteful edge to Usyk's work. The 38-year-old Ukrainian master produced a punch-perfect display, decking IBF champion Dubois twice in round five to close the show.
Wardley and Kabayal have each done plenty to earn their shot at the king, but Usyk would enter both of those bouts as a heavy favourite if the two-time undisputed heavyweight champion fancies a career victory lap.
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