IBF title holder Filip Hrgovic clearly stated his goals by entering the ring right after Dubois claimed victory, showing mutual interest in a second fight.

Although Dubois ended the Croatian's run in June 2024, Hrgovic has since restored his standing by winning the vacant IBF crown against British hopeful Moses Itauma during August.

However, Hrgovic, aged 34, now faces Cuba's Frank Sanchez as his required challenger.

Promoter Frank Warren aims to arrange Hrgovic's initial title defense in Croatia at the start of next year, which might postpone any rematch with Dubois.

For Dubois, the most lucrative opportunity lies in facing the victor from the Fury versus Joshua bout scheduled for December.

"Next year offers several unification bouts with these contenders, and that remains our focus," Warren noted.

On the other side, Wardley proved capable at the world level, yet the nature of his loss on Saturday highlighted a clear difference in skill.

Facing a less prominent opponent next might rebuild his assurance, though doubts persist about his ability to adapt and compete with the division's top fighters again.

American Jarrell Miller stays highly placed in rankings, as do fellow countrymen Jared Anderson and Richard Torrez Jr, an Olympic silver medalist, who are both working their way back.

New Zealand's ex-world champion Joseph Parker looks to return following the lifting of his temporary doping ban in August.

Australia's Teremoana Teremoana has finished all 12 of his pro fights inside two rounds, and Uzbekistan's two-time Olympic gold medalist Bakhodir Jalolov kept his perfect record intact by defeating Solomon Dacres on Saturday.

In the UK, 42-year-old Derek Chisora contemplates another return and anticipates a December matchup against WBA regular champion Gassiev.

British titleholder Richard Riakporhe seeks global success after shifting from cruiserweight, while ex-cruiserweight world champ Lawrence Okolie targets a comeback after settling matters with the WBC regarding a failed drug test.

Domestic fighters like David Adeleye, Dave Allen, Johnny Fisher and Frazer Clarke continue to compete locally, as young prospects Leo Atang, 19, and Ireland's Adam Olaniyan, 20, begin to emerge.

As Usyk, Fury and Joshua near the close of their careers, the heavyweight scene transitions into a fresh phase.

Plenty of major bouts await, yet aligning the champions amid mandatory duties, rematches and the complexities of boxing politics may present the biggest hurdle.