Fabio Wardley has been elevated to WBO heavyweight champion after Oleksandr Usyk vacated the title, ending his brief reign as undisputed champion. The WBO announced on Monday that Usyk formally relinquished the belt following thoughtful consideration, rather than defending it against the unbeaten Briton.
Wardley, 30, earned the mandatory position by stopping Joseph Parker in the 11th round last month to claim the interim WBO title. He was mandated to face Usyk by the end of September, but the Ukrainian's decision to vacate has now cleared the path for Wardley's promotion to full champion status.
Promoter Frank Warren hailed the development, calling it one of the most incredible stories in his 45-year career. 'Britain has a new heavyweight world champion and a new star of the sport,' Warren wrote on X. 'Some huge fights ahead for 2026 as he defends his WBO belt and creates a true legacy.'
Wardley began his career in white-collar boxing before turning professional in 2017, compiling 17 consecutive wins. After a split-decision draw with Frazer Clarke in March 2024, he stopped Clarke in one round seven months later and then came from behind to defeat Justis Huni, setting up his title shot against Parker.
He becomes the sixth Briton to hold the WBO heavyweight title, following Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, Henry Akinwande, Herbie Hide, and Michael Bentt.
