Fabio Wardley elevated to WBO world champion as Oleksandr Usyk relinquishes belt instead of fighting unbeaten Brit
Published 18/11/2025 at 09:05 GMT
Britain's Fabio Wardley has been elevated to WBO world champion at heavyweight after Oleksandr Usyk opted not to fight him and instead to relinquish his belt. Wardley has been named the WBO titleholder after his surprise win over Joseph Parker saw him become the next challenger for Usyk, but the Ukrainian did not want that fight. Wardley has won 20 of his 21 fights and drew the other.
Highlights: Wardley produces explosive first-round knockout against Clarke
Video credit: TNT Sports
British boxer Fabio Wardley has been elevated to WBO world heavyweight champion after Oleksandr Usyk decided to relinquish the belt.
The WBO ordered Usyk to fight the winner of the Joseph Parker and Wardley fight. With the Brit surprising the New Zealander, it was to be him who next challenged the Ukrainian.
But Usyk, who also holds the IBF, WBC and WBA belts, has decided not to fight Wardley, and in doing so will relinquish the WBO belt.
It is not the first time Usyk has been the undisputed four-belt champion and given a belt up, after being in the same position in 2024.
That time, after beating Tyson Fury, he refused to fight the mandatory IBF challenger and gave that belt up, in order to pursue the rematch.
He eventually won the strap back by defeating another Brit, Daniel Dubois.
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Highlights: Usyk beats Fury by unanimous decision to retain titles after engrossing fight
Video credit: TNT Sports
WBO president Gustavo Olivieri hailed Usyk as a modern great and made clear the door remained open for a return.
"The WBO extends its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Oleksandr Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion," Olivieri said.
"His career stands as one of the most extraordinary and historic of the modern boxing era."
Wardley’s rise to heavyweight champion of the world caps a remarkable rise after only starting boxing aged 20.
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Now 30, Wardley has won 20 of his 21 fights, with a solitary draw by split decision against Frazer Clarke in May 2024 the only blemish.
He has won by stoppage in each of his last 19 victories, with only his first professional fight against Jakub Wojcicki in April 2017 being decided by points.
That includes a first round knockout in the rematch with Clarke in Saudi Arabia last October, as well as a TKO in the 11th round against Parker at the O2 Arena last month.
With Usyk no longer an option, Wardley’s next opponent is not clear, but promoter Frank Warren promised the Ipswich fighter would "create a legacy" in 2026.
"Britain has a new heavyweight world champion and a new star of the sport," Warren posted on X.
"One of the most incredible stories I've seen in my 45 years as a promoter and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley.
"Some huge fights ahead for 2026 as he defends his WBO belt and creates a true legacy in the sport."
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