Fabio Wardley: The British fighter becomes world champion after Oleksandr Usyk gives up the WBO belt

Briton Fabio Wardley is expected to be promoted to WBO heavyweight champion after Oleksandr Usyk decided to vacate his title.

This comes after Ukrainian fighter Usyk informed the World Boxing Organization (WBO) that he will not proceed with a mandatory title defense against Wardley.

The WBO said Usyk “chose to vacate his title after careful consideration.”

Usyk still holds the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in July to become the two-time undisputed heavyweight champion.

He first became the undisputed four-belt champion in May 2024 with a win over Tyson Fury, before relinquishing the IBF title five weeks later and deciding not to fight the mandatory challenger.

WBO president Gustavo Olivieri described Usyk as a “champion of champions” in a statement.

“The WBO expresses its deep respect, admiration and gratitude to Oleksandr Usyk, the undefeated two-division WBO world champion,” Olivieri said.

“His career is considered one of the most extraordinary and historic in the modern boxing era.”

The World Boxing Organization added that its doors “will always remain open to Usyk and his team.”