Fabio Wardley has clinched the heavyweight world champion title as Oleksandr Usyk relinquished his belt. Wardley defeated Joseph Parker in the 11th round last month, claiming the interim WBO championship. Usyk, who was mandated to defend his four titles against Wardley, decided not to face the Brit for the ninth time.

Usyk, a two-time undisputed world champion, had victories over Tyson Fury and Daniel Dubois. Initially planning to retire after one more fight, he recently announced extending his career for another two years. Wardley’s journey to world champion status is remarkable, starting his career in white-collar boxing without an amateur background. Since turning professional in 2017, he has won all but one of his fights.

With a remarkable record of 20 wins, one draw, and no losses, Wardley boasts 19 knockout victories over notable opponents like Justis Huni, David Adeleye, Nick Gorman, and Nick Webb. Frazer Clarke is the only fighter to hold Wardley to a draw, tarnishing his otherwise flawless record. However, Wardley settled the score by securing a first-round TKO in their rematch.

Although Wardley aimed to challenge Usyk, he didn’t need to face the current ‘baddest man on the planet’ to realize his dream of becoming a world champion. This marks the second time Usyk has relinquished a title, having done so last year to pursue an immediate rematch with Fury instead of fighting the mandatory challenger Dubois.

Dubois, who was promoted to full IBF champion, successfully defended his title with a fifth-round knockout of Anthony Joshua at Wembley in September. However, his reign was short-lived as he faced Usyk in July 2025, suffering a fifth-round stoppage at the same venue. Wardley’s promoter, Frank Warren, expressed pride in Wardley’s achievement, highlighting the new era of British heavyweight boxing.

Warren celebrated Wardley’s success as the WBO heavyweight champion, anticipating exciting fights in 2026 as Wardley defends his title and cements his legacy in the sport.