Fabio Wardley is now the heavyweight world champion as Oleksandr Usyk relinquished his title. Wardley defeated Joseph Parker in the 11th round last month, securing the interim WBO championship. Usyk was supposed to defend his four belts against Wardley but decided not to engage in what would have been his ninth bout with a British opponent.
Having previously held the undisputed world champion title twice after wins against Tyson Fury and Daniel Dubois, Usyk had initially planned to retire after one more fight. However, he recently announced his intention to continue boxing for another two years. Wardley’s journey to world champion status is remarkable, starting his career in the white-collar boxing scene without an amateur background but achieving success in the professional arena since 2017.
With a record of 20 wins, one draw, and no losses, Wardley has secured 19 knockouts, defeating notable opponents like Justis Huni, David Adeleye, Nick Gorman, and Nick Webb. Despite a draw with Frazer Clarke in their first encounter, Wardley decisively won the rematch with a first-round TKO last October. Wardley expressed his desire to face Usyk, but ultimately, Usyk’s decision to vacate the title made Wardley the world champion without a bout against the current top-ranked boxer.
This is not the first time Usyk has given up a title, as he previously surrendered his IBF belt to take an immediate rematch with Fury instead of facing the mandatory challenger, Dubois. Dubois later claimed the full IBF championship with a fifth-round knockout of Anthony Joshua in September, but his reign was short-lived as he faced Usyk in July 2025, suffering a stoppage defeat at Wembley Stadium.
Frank Warren, Wardley’s promoter, reacted swiftly to Wardley’s achievement, hailing him as the new WBO heavyweight champion and a rising star in the sport. Warren commended Wardley’s journey to the title and anticipated exciting fights ahead as Wardley defends his belt and solidifies his legacy in boxing.