Fabio Wardley is now the heavyweight world champion following Oleksandr Usyk’s decision to vacate his belt. Wardley claimed the interim WBO title by defeating Joseph Parker in the 11th round of an intense bout last month. Usyk, who was mandated to defend his four belts against Wardley, chose not to face the Ipswich fighter in what would have been their ninth encounter.
Usyk, a two-time undisputed world champion, had victories over Tyson Fury and Daniel Dubois. Initially planning to retire after one more fight, Usyk 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 with no amateur background but achieving remarkable success since turning professional in 2017.
With a record of 20 wins, zero losses, and one draw, Wardley has secured 19 knockouts, defeating notable opponents like Justis Huni, David Adeleye, Nick Gorman, and Nick Webb. The only blemish on his record is a draw against Frazer Clarke, which Wardley avenged with a first-round TKO in their rematch last October.
While Wardley had aimed to face Usyk, the Ukrainian’s decision to relinquish the belt cleared the path for Wardley to realize his dream of becoming a world champion without fighting Usyk. This marks the second time Usyk has relinquished a title, having previously given up his IBF belt to engage in an immediate rematch with Tyson Fury rather than facing the mandatory challenger, Dubois.
As Wardley celebrates his WBO heavyweight championship win, his promoter, Frank Warren, expressed pride in his fighter’s accomplishment, foreseeing exciting matchups in 2026 as Wardley defends his title and builds his legacy in the sport.