In a surprising move that has sent ripples through the boxing world, undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has voluntarily given up one of his four world titles. The undefeated Ukrainian vacated the WBO belt last week, a decision his camp says was made to create opportunities for the next generation of fighters.
A Strategic Vacancy for New Talent
The relinquished title has been automatically awarded to Fabio Wardley, the 30-year-old British boxer who dramatically won the interim WBO title against Joseph Parker last month. Wardley, who was due to face Usyk for the full championship, has now been promoted to the position of full-time champion without having to step into the ring with the formidable Ukrainian.
Usyk's long-term friend and camp manager, Sergey Lapin, clarified the champion's motives. 'Oleksandr vacated the belt to give young boxers a chance to fight for it,' Lapin stated, framing the decision as a strategic move to foster new talent in the heavyweight division.
Wardley's Rise and Future Opponents
This development means Fabio Wardley is now the sixth Briton to hold the WBO heavyweight belt. The Ipswich-born fighter remains undefeated, with an impressive record of 20 wins from 21 bouts. His sole blemish was a split-decision draw against Frazer Clarke in March 2024, a result he avenged decisively with a one-round victory seven months later.
While Wardley labelled Usyk's decision to relinquish the title instead of fighting him as 'strange', he is now poised for a significant title defence next year. Lapin has already suggested a compelling domestic clash, saying, 'Let's see how everything develops from here. Fabio Wardley vs. Moses Itauma would be a wonderful fight for both, and it would be very interesting to see who comes out on top.'
The Landscape of Heavyweight Boxing
Usyk cemented his status as the undisputed champion of the heavyweight division after his historic victory over Tyson Fury in May 2024, a feat he reinforced by demolishing Daniel Dubois at Wembley in July. By holding all four major belts—WBC, WBA, IBF, and WBO—he achieved a rare dominance in the sport.
However, with Usyk fighting on average only once a year and his future plans unclear following the Dubois bout, his vacating of the WBO title signals a potential shift in the division's hierarchy. Wardley, for his part, remains open to all opportunities, including a potential high-profile fight against Anthony Joshua. 'I'm open to all opportunities, all comers, all fighters,' Wardley told Sky Sports. 'One thing I've always had through my career is the mantra of never shying away or backing down, always taking on the biggest next fight.'
