Fabio Wardley has clinched the heavyweight world championship title as Oleksandr Usyk relinquished his belt. Wardley defeated Joseph Parker in a dramatic 11th-round showdown last month to secure the interim WBO champion status. Despite being mandated to defend his four belts against Wardley, Usyk opted out of facing the British contender 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, Usyk recently announced his decision to continue boxing for another two years. Wardley’s journey to becoming a world champion is remarkable, starting his career in the white-collar boxing scene with no amateur background but excelling in the professional arena since 2017.
With an impressive record of 20 wins, one draw, and no losses, Wardley boasts 19 knockouts, triumphing over notable opponents like Justis Huni, David Adeleye, Nick Gorman, and Nick Webb. While Frazer Clarke remains the only one to have held Wardley to a draw, Wardley decisively defeated him in a rematch last year.
Though Wardley had aimed to challenge Usyk for the title, Usyk’s decision to vacate the belt made Wardley the world champion without facing him. This is not the first time Usyk has relinquished a title, having given up his IBF belt last year for a rematch with Fury instead of facing the mandatory challenger, Dubois.
Wardley’s promoter, Frank Warren, expressed pride in Wardley’s achievement, hailing him as the new star in heavyweight boxing. Warren anticipates exciting future fights for Wardley as he defends his WBO title and cements his legacy in the sport.