Fabio Wardley has ascended to the status of WBO heavyweight champion following Oleksandr Usyk’s decision to vacate the title rather than face the unbeaten British fighter. The WBO made the announcement on Monday, revealing that Usyk, with an impressive record of 24 wins, has officially relinquished the championship, allowing Wardley to transition from interim champion to the full titleholder.
Usyk had unified heavyweight titles in July, achieving a dramatic fifth-round knockout of Daniel Dubois. He still retains the WBA, WBC, and IBF belts. According to the WBO, Usyk’s team communicated the decision, indicating that he opted to step aside from the championship.
Wardley boasts an impressive record of 20 wins, one draw, and no losses, having secured his interim title just last month with an exhilarating 11th-round stoppage of Joseph Parker, which set him up for a mandatory title shot against Usyk by the end of September. With Usyk’s exit, Wardley has become the sixth British fighter to hold the WBO heavyweight title, joining the elite ranks of champions like Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.
The heavyweight scene remains vibrant with potential matchups, as Moses Itauma is currently ranked as the No. 1 contender in the WBO heavyweight rankings and could challenge Wardley for the title. However, this scenario poses a complication since both fighters train under Ben Davison, raising questions about a potential bout.
While Usyk’s departure from the division creates new opportunities for Wardley, it also leaves a degree of uncertainty for the former champion, who has established himself as one of boxing’s top names and may consider a return in 2026. This shift in the heavyweight division not only alters the championship landscape but also builds excitement among boxing fans for upcoming matchups. Wardley’s rise to prominence serves as a testament to the ongoing dynamism of the sport, where new champions and rivalries consistently emerge, keeping the world of boxing thrilling and competitive.