Fabio Wardley has secured the heavyweight world champion title as Oleksandr Usyk relinquished his belt. In a thrilling battle last month, Wardley defeated Joseph Parker in the 11th round to claim the interim WBO championship. Usyk, who had been instructed to defend his four belts against Wardley, decided not to engage in what would have been his ninth encounter with a British opponent.
Usyk, a two-time undisputed world champion after triumphs over Tyson Fury and Daniel Dubois, initially intended to have one final fight but recently announced plans to continue competing for another two years. Wardley’s rise to world champion status marks a remarkable journey from his start in the white-collar boxing scene. With a professional record of 20 wins, one draw, and no losses, including 19 knockouts, Wardley has defeated notable opponents like Justis Huni, David Adeleye, Nick Gorman, and Nick Webb. Frazer Clarke is the sole boxer to have held Wardley to a draw, but Wardley decisively won their rematch with a first-round TKO.
Although Wardley had expressed eagerness to face Usyk, he ultimately achieved his dream of becoming a world champion without having to confront the current heavyweight champion. This is the second instance in Usyk’s career where he has relinquished a title, having previously given up his IBF belt to engage in an immediate rematch with Fury rather than facing the mandatory challenger Dubois.
Wardley’s promoter, Frank Warren, swiftly reacted to Wardley’s WBO heavyweight championship win, expressing pride in the new British boxing star and anticipating exciting fights in 2026 as Wardley defends his title and builds a lasting legacy in the sport.
