Oleksandr Usyk Gives Up World Boxing Organization Championship, Opening the Route for Fabio Wardley to Achieve Heavyweight Champion.

Fabio Wardley is poised to become upgraded to the WBO heavyweight titleholder after the unified champion elected to give up the title – and his undisputed champion status – instead of defending it against the unblemished British boxer.

Wardley's Journey to the Belt

Wardley secured the interim championship from Joseph Parker via a dramatic 11th-round stoppage last month and was mandated to face the Ukrainian champion before the close of September.

However, the boxing sanctioning body stated on Monday that Usyk, who consolidated the world titles by defeating another British fighter, the IBF titleholder Daniel Dubois in July, has officially communicated his decision to relinquish the title “after thoughtful consideration”. Beating the IBF champion resulted in the Ukrainian becoming the undisputed heavyweight king for a second time, but he has chosen his reign to be shortlived.

Manager's Statement

The sanctioning body is yet to formally announce Wardley's rise to the vacant title, but his representative the veteran promoter is convinced it is a settled matter.

Warren stated on X: “Great Britain has a new heavyweight titleholder and a rising star of the sport of boxing.

“One of the most amazing tales I’ve seen in my 45 years as a fight promoter and I could not be prouder of the new champion. Some major bouts ahead for next year as he defends his WBO belt and establishes a lasting legacy in the boxing industry.”

The Champion's Boxing Path

Wardley started his career in white-collar fights before becoming a pro in 2017 and racking up 17 straight wins. After fighting a draw by split decision against his rival Frazer Clarke in the spring of 2024, he beat Frazer Clarke in round one later that year and then fought back to defeat via stoppage Justis Huni and earn his shot at the former champion.

If confirmed, Wardley will become the sixth UK boxer to claim the WBO heavyweight championship, after Tyson Fury, AJ, the former champion, Herbie Hide and Michael Bentt.