Fabio Wardley Set to Become WBO Heavyweight Champion as Usyk Vacates Title

Wardley Poised for World Title Elevation

Fabio Wardley is expected to be officially crowned the new WBO heavyweight champion after Oleksandr Usyk informed the organisation he would relinquish the belt rather than proceed with a mandatory defence. The decision clears the path for Wardley, 30, who captured the interim title in dramatic fashion last month.

Usyk’s move comes after he notified the WBO that he would not continue negotiations for the mandatory bout. The organisation said the Ukrainian champion had made the decision after “thoughtful consideration.”

Usyk’s Legacy Remains Untouched

Despite giving up the WBO title, Usyk retains the WBA, WBC, and IBF belts. The Olympic gold medallist and unbeaten 24-0 fighter cemented his legacy earlier this year by becoming a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion—first defeating Tyson Fury in May 2024, then beating Daniel Dubois at Wembley in July.

WBO president Gustavo Olivieri hailed Usyk as “a champion of champions,” praising his historic run across two weight divisions. The organisation noted its doors “will always remain open” for the Ukrainian great.

Wardley’s Remarkable Rise

Wardley’s ascension is one of boxing’s most unexpected success stories. Having only started boxing at 20 through the white-collar circuit, he climbed rapidly to the professional ranks. His stunning 11th-round stoppage of Joseph Parker at London’s O2 Arena last month earned him the interim title—and mandated him as Usyk’s next challenger.

Promoter Frank Warren believes the full world title is now a formality, declaring Wardley “the new heavyweight world champion” and calling his rise “one of the most incredible stories” he has seen in 45 years of promoting.

A New British Heavyweight Era Ahead

With official confirmation expected soon, Wardley is on the brink of becoming Britain’s newest world champion. Big fights now await him in 2026 as he aims to defend the WBO belt and carve out a lasting legacy in the sport.

From late starter to heavyweight king—Wardley’s story is just beginning.