Fabio Wardley has clinched the heavyweight world champion title as Oleksandr Usyk relinquished his belt. Wardley defeated Joseph Parker in an exhilarating 11th round bout last month to secure the interim WBO championship. Usyk, who was mandated to defend his four belts against Wardley, decided against facing the British fighter for the ninth time.
Usyk, a two-time undisputed world champion after victories against Tyson Fury and Daniel Dubois, initially planned to retire after one more fight but recently announced his intention to continue competing for another two years. Wardley’s rise to world champion status marks a remarkable journey from his start in the white-collar boxing scene without any amateur experience. Since turning professional in 2017, Wardley has amassed an impressive record of 20 wins, one draw, and no losses, with 19 victories coming by knockout.
The only blemish on Wardley’s record is a draw against Frazer Clarke, which was later avenged with a first-round TKO in their rematch. Despite Wardley’s eagerness to face Usyk, the fight did not materialize as Usyk vacated the belt, similar to his previous decision to relinquish the IBF title in favor of a rematch with Fury instead of facing mandatory challenger Dubois.
Dubois was subsequently promoted to full IBF champion but lost to Usyk in July 2025, leading to Usyk’s latest belt relinquishment. Wardley’s promoter, Frank Warren, celebrated Wardley’s achievement as the new WBO heavyweight champion and highlighted the exciting bouts ahead as Wardley defends his title and makes his mark in the sport.