Oleksandr Usyk Vacates WBO Title, Opening the Path for Fabio Wardley to Become Heavyweight Champion.
Fabio Wardley will be elevated to WBO heavyweight champion after the unified champion elected to relinquish the belt – and his undisputed champion status – rather than fighting a mandatory defense against the unbeaten British fighter.
Fabio Wardley's Road to the Title
Wardley secured the interim championship from Joseph Parker via a thrilling 11th-round knockout last month and was scheduled to fight the Ukrainian before the conclusion of September.
However, the WBO announced on Monday that the champion, who combined the global championships by beating another UK boxer, the IBF titleholder Daniel Dubois in July, has formally relayed his decision to give up the championship “after thoughtful consideration”. Overcoming Daniel Dubois resulted in Usyk becoming the undisputed world heavyweight champion for a second occasion, but he has elected for his reign to be brief.
Representative's Response
The World Boxing Organization is yet to formally announce Fabio Wardley's elevation to the open championship, but his promoter Frank Warren is convinced it is a settled matter.
Warren wrote on his X account: “Great Britain has a new heavyweight world champion and a rising star of the sport.
“One of the most remarkable journeys I’ve seen in my 45-year career as a fight promoter and I could not be prouder of the new champion. Some major bouts ahead for the coming year as he defends his WBO belt and creates a true legacy in the boxing industry.”
The Champion's Boxing Path
The new champion commenced his professional path in white-collar fights before becoming a pro in the year 2017 and accumulating 17 consecutive victories. After engaging in a split draw against the British boxer in the spring of 2024, he defeated his opponent in round one seven months later and then fought back to knock out Justis Huni and secure his opportunity at Joseph Parker.
If formally ratified, the British boxer will become the sixth Briton to hold the WBO heavyweight championship, after Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, Henry Akinwande, the two-time champion and Michael Bentt.
