Fabio Wardley has clinched the title of heavyweight world champion following Oleksandr Usyk’s decision to relinquish his belt. Wardley secured the interim WBO championship by defeating Joseph Parker in the 11th round of an intense bout last month. Usyk, who was mandated to defend his four titles against Wardley, opted out of what would have been his ninth encounter with a British opponent.
Having previously held the undisputed world champion title twice after victories over Tyson Fury and Daniel Dubois, Usyk had initially planned for one final fight but recently announced his intention to continue competing for another two years. Wardley’s journey to world champion status is remarkable, starting his career in the white-collar boxing scene without any amateur experience. Since turning professional in 2017, he has recorded an impressive record of 20 wins, one draw, and no losses, with 19 victories coming by knockout against notable opponents like Justis Huni, David Adeleye, Nick Gorman, and Nick Webb.
The only blemish on Wardley’s record is a draw against Frazer Clarke, but Wardley decisively settled the score in a rematch with a first-round TKO victory. Despite Wardley’s eagerness to face Usyk, the Ukrainian’s decision to vacate the belt enabled Wardley to realize his dream of becoming a world champion without facing the current top-ranked fighter. This marks the second occasion Usyk has relinquished a title, having previously given up his IBF belt to pursue a rematch with Fury rather than facing mandatory challenger Dubois.
Wardley’s promoter, Frank Warren, expressed pride in Wardley’s achievement, hailing him as Britain’s new heavyweight world champion and a rising star in the sport. Looking ahead, Warren anticipates exciting fights for Wardley in 2026 as he defends his WBO title and aims to establish a lasting legacy in boxing.