Fabio Wardley is poised to become the new WBO heavyweight champion after Oleksandr Usyk officially vacated the title, choosing not to proceed with his mandatory defence against the British fighter, MySportdab Reports.
The World Boxing Organisation confirmed it had received “formal communication” from Usyk’s camp, stating the Ukrainian had “elected to relinquish the title after thoughtful consideration.”
Usyk, 38, still holds the WBA, WBC and IBF titles, having regained his undisputed status in July by beating Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium.
He initially became the first four-belt undisputed heavyweight champion of the era in May 2024 after defeating Tyson Fury, before later giving up the IBF crown due to mandatory obligations.
WBO president Gustavo Olivieri paid tribute to Usyk, calling him “a champion of champions” and praising his legacy as one of modern boxing’s greats. “The WBO extends its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Oleksandr Usyk,” he said, adding that the organisation’s doors “will always remain open” for the Ukrainian.
Usyk captured the WBO belt in 2021 by defeating Anthony Joshua and successfully defended it four times.
Earlier this year, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a mandatory defence against interim champion Joseph Parker, but that bout was postponed due to a back injury sustained by Usyk.
Wardley, 30, now stands on the brink of becoming Britain’s newest world champion. He sensationally claimed the interim title after stopping Parker in the 11th round at London’s O2 Arena last month, earning his position as the mandatory challenger.
The WBO has not yet issued its formal confirmation of his elevation, but promoter Frank Warren believes it is inevitable.
“Britain has a new heavyweight world champion and a new star of the sport,” Warren posted on X, calling Wardley’s rise “one of the most incredible stories” in his 45-year career.
Wardley, who only started boxing at 20 and emerged from the white-collar circuit, has amassed a 21-fight professional record and now looks set for major title defences in 2026.
