In a stunning move that has sent shockwaves through the boxing world, Oleksandr Usyk has delivered a brutally honest explanation for why he chose to give up his world title rather than face rising British heavyweight Fabio Wardley.
The Path to a Snubbed Showdown
The sequence of events began after Usyk's second knockout victory over Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in July. Shortly after, the WBO ordered the Ukrainian champion to defend his title against mandatory challenger Joseph Parker. Usyk requested an extension on negotiations, citing minor injuries from the Dubois fight.
However, the WBO launched an investigation when footage emerged of Usyk dancing at a concert, seemingly contradicting his injury claims. He was eventually granted a 90-day extension to finalise a bout with Parker. In a dramatic twist, Parker instead put his mandatory status on the line in October, accepting a fight with Ipswich's Fabio Wardley at London's O2 Arena.
In an epic battle, Wardley stunned the boxing world by knocking out the former champion in the eleventh round to claim the WBO interim title, automatically setting up a clash with Usyk.
"For Me, It Is Not Interesting": Usyk's Frank Assessment
Faced with the ordered defence, Usyk made the surprising decision to relinquish his WBO belt entirely, allowing Wardley to be promoted to full champion. Now, the two-time undisputed heavyweight king has revealed his blunt reasoning.
Speaking to Boxing King Media, Usyk stated that while the belt was important to him, his focus had shifted following a gruelling period of fights. "I have had a very hard year and a half with Tyson Fury... two fights and prepare for fight and then the Daniel Dubois war," he explained.
He then delivered a stark comparison between potential opponents. "If, when (Joseph) Parker, for me, it is interesting. Win (Fabio) Wardley. For me, it is not interesting. I say it's true. 'Ok I give you belt.' Maybe later we fight together like a big fight," Usyk said, framing his decision as a mix of sport and business.
Respect Amidst the Rejection
Despite this frank dismissal of Wardley's current appeal as an opponent, Usyk was quick to pay respect to the new champion's abilities and work ethic. He revealed he was not surprised by Wardley's victory over Parker, having previously trained with him.
"I think he is a great fighter and a good guy.... he's a crazy man. I very respect this guy because this guy do a lot of work. I think he is a great man," Usyk stated.
For his part, Wardley expressed confusion over Usyk's choice. Speaking to Sky Sports, he said, "It was a bit of a strange one... to give it up just seems a bit of a strange move. I'm not too sure what he was thinking." He speculated about potential retirement plans or alternative fights for the Ukrainian legend.
Intriguingly, the 38-year-old Usyk, who turns 39 in January, hinted he may not be finished with pursuing undisputed status. At a recent WBC convention in Thailand, he remarked, “Listen, I have four belts, now three. People say, ‘Hey, you’re not undisputed champion.’ Okay, that is temporary.” This suggests a future showdown with Wardley, once the Briton has built his profile further, remains a possibility.
