Fabio Wardley becomes WBO heavyweight champion after Oleksandr Usyk vacated the belt.

In a surprising turn of events, Fabio Wardley has been officially declared the WBO heavyweight champion, following Oleksandr Usyk’s decision to relinquish the title.

The announcement, made by the World Boxing Organization (WBO) on November 17, 2025, marks a major milestone in Wardley’s career — and signals a fresh chapter in the heavyweight division. (ESPN.com)

The Vacuum: Why Usyk Relinquished the Belt

Usyk, the dominant Ukrainian heavyweight, had previously unified all four major belts — WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO — following his knockout win over Daniel Dubois in July. (ESPN.com)

However, the WBO mandated that he defend the WBO strap against their interim champion, Wardley, by the end of September. (Sky Sports)

Citing injury and other considerations, Usyk did not go ahead with the fight.

Instead, his camp submitted “formal communication” to the WBO, officially declaring that he would relinquish the title. (ESPN.com)

The WBO responded with a respectful acknowledgement — calling Usyk a “super champion” and praising his career as one of the most extraordinary in modern boxing. (FIGHTMAG)

Importantly, this does not mean that Usyk is retiring.

According to the WBO, his decision is a “respectful pause,” and he still holds the WBA, WBC, and IBF heavyweight titles. (Sky Sports)

Rumors suggest he may return to the ring in 2026, but his future path remains uncertain. (ESPN.com)

The Rise of Wardley

For Wardley, the elevation from interim to full champion is the culmination of a remarkable journey.

Born in Ipswich, England, he turned professional in 2017 and worked his way up through regional titles. (Wikipedia)

In October 2025, he stunned former champion Joseph Parker by stopping him in the 11th round of their fight in London to claim the interim WBO heavyweight title. (FIGHTMAG)

That victory had already positioned Wardley for a shot at Usyk; he was the mandatory challenger.

But when Usyk chose to step away instead of defending, the WBO moved swiftly to elevate him. (Sky Sports)

Now 30 years old, Wardley is undefeated (20-0-1) with a devastating knockout rate. (Wikipedia)

His promoter, Frank Warren, celebrated the promotion as one of the most incredible stories he’s seen in his decades in boxing. (The Guardian)

Significance of the Moment

Wardley’s rise is notable for several reasons:

1. British Legacy
   He becomes the sixth Briton to hold the WBO heavyweight title, joining the likes of Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, Herbie Hide, Henry Akinwande, and Michael Bentt. (The Guardian)

2. Unconventional Path
   Unlike many elite boxers, Wardley didn’t come up through a decorated amateur career.

3. His story has been framed as “against all odds” — from grassroots to world champion. (GB News)

4. Open Road Ahead
   With Usyk stepping aside for now, Wardley’s path is wide open.

5. The WBO has identified Moses Itauma as a potential mandatory challenger, though complications could arise — both men are trained by Ben Davison, which may affect negotiations. (Reuters)

6. A Turning Point in the Division
   Usyk giving up one of his belts signals both weariness and strategic planning.

7. By shedding the WBO title, he reduces his burden without losing all his power, potentially eyeing big fights in 2026.

8. Meanwhile, Wardley’s ascension introduces a fresh face into the heavyweight world-title picture. (FIGHTMAG)

Reactions and Implications

The reaction from boxing circles has been a mix of respect for Usyk’s legacy and excitement for Wardley’s unexpected breakthrough.

WBO President Gustavo Olivieri lauded Usyk’s career, calling him “a champion of champions” while confirming Wardley’s elevation. (GB News)

Wardley himself had earlier called out Usyk after his win over Parker, hinting at a possible matchup down the line. (FIGHTMAG)

But with Usyk’s decision to vacate, that showdown may be delayed — unless they revisit terms in the future. (FIGHTMAG)

In the meantime, Wardley will look to make his mark.

As the new full WBO heavyweight champion, he has the opportunity to negotiate high-profile defenses, potentially generate big-money fights, and solidify his status in the elite ranks.

Challenges Ahead

Though Wardley is now champion on paper, he still faces significant challenges:

• Mandatories: As mentioned, Moses Itauma is a top contender, but internal dynamics (shared trainer) may complicate things. (Reuters)

• Credibility: Some critics may view this as a “paper” championship — since he didn’t beat Usyk directly, but was elevated when the belt was vacated.

• That could put pressure on Wardley to prove his legitimacy in the ring.

• Legacy Building: To become more than just a placeholder champion, Wardley will need to defend, preferably against high-calibre opponents, to build a legacy.

Fabio Wardley’s elevation to full WBO heavyweight champion represents a dramatic and defining moment in heavyweight boxing.

What began with an interim title victory over Joseph Parker has now turned into full championship status — not via the traditional route, but through Usyk’s strategic relinquishment.

For Usyk, stepping away from the WBO belt may be a moment of rest — but his legacy in the sport is already firmly cemented.

For Wardley, this is a golden opportunity: a shot to lead a new era of heavyweights, to face big-name challengers, and to prove he belongs at the top.

As boxing fans look ahead to 2026 and beyond, one thing is clear: the heavyweight division has a new face, and Fabio Wardley’s journey is only beginning.