UsykusyOleksandr Usyk had been ordered to negotiate a fight with mandatory challenger Fabio Wardley
The Ukrainian held the IBF, WBO and WBA heavyweight belts since his first victory over Anthony Joshua back in 2021. He added the WBC by beating Tyson Fury in May of 2024, before dropping and recapturing the IBF by beating Daniel Dubois in their rematch this year.
Next up in the agreed mandatory rotation is the WBO, whose interim title was just snatched by Fabio Wardley. The big-punching Brit earned his right to face Usyk and had been ordered to do so, however the sanctioning body has today announced the 38-year-old southpaw has instead vacated.
“The World Boxing Organisation announced today that it has received formal communication from Team Oleksandr Usyk regarding the future of the WBO Heavyweight Championship. After thoughtful consideration, Usyk has decided to relinquish the title.”
With the decision made and Usyk now holding just three of the four major titles — the WBC, IBF and WBA — Britain has a new world champion in Wardley.
The Ipswich man was congratulated by promoter Frank Warren via social media.
“Britain has a new heavyweight world champion and a new star of the sport. 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.”
Nobody will accuse Usyk of ducking the challenge given his record on the road against the best, and will therefore assume that he is chasing more of a spectacle for what could be his penultimate or even final professional bout.
What he does with the remaining three titles remains to be seen, however there is also the option that he looks to unify against either Wardley or a new champion after a first defence, adding to his legacy by becoming a three-time undisputed heavyweight champion, four-time overall including cruiserweight.
