Oleksandr Usyk possesses one of the greatest boxing brains in heavyweight history and the undefeated Ukrainian has now revealed his thoughts on Fabio Wardley’s recent upset victory against Joseph Parker.
Wardley halted Parker in round 11 of their October meeting to claim the WBO Interim title, subsequently costing Parker his shot at Usyk’s undisputed heavyweight crown and thrusting his own name into the mix for a showdown with the 38-year-old southpaw.
Yet, rather than face Wardley, Usyk has instead opted to vacate his WBO heavyweight world title, with the Ipswich fan-favourite being upgraded to full heavyweight world champion as a result.
Speaking with Boxing King Media, Usyk explained that he vacated the belt due to a lack of interest in a scrap with Wardley but added that he was not shocked by the Briton’s triumph over Parker.
“This is a sport and business, if win [for] Parker, for me it is interesting, win [for] Wardley – for me it [a fight with him] is not interesting. I say ‘it is true, okay here is your belt’. Maybe later we fight together in a big fight, it’s only my mind.
“I was not surprised [by Wardley’s win] because I worked with Wardley. I think that he is a good fighter and a great guy.”
Usyk went on to unveil his plans to take on former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder during 2026, although ‘The Bronze Bomber’ may require another win under his belt beforehand, having won just two of his six outings since 2019.
