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 to claim the interim WBO championship. Usyk, who was required to defend his four belts against Wardley, opted out of the fight, avoiding his ninth encounter with a British boxer.
Usyk, a former two-time undisputed world champion, had victories over Tyson Fury and Daniel Dubois. Despite initially planning to retire after one more fight, Usyk recently disclosed his intention to continue boxing for another two years. Wardley’s journey to world champion status is remarkable, starting his career in white-collar boxing with no amateur background and turning professional in 2017, winning all but one of his fights since then.
With a record of 20 wins, one draw, and zero losses, including 19 knockouts, Wardley has defeated notable opponents like Justis Huni, David Adeleye, Nick Gorman, and Nick Webb. Frazer Clarke is the only boxer to have drawn with Wardley, marring his otherwise flawless record. Wardley avenged the draw by securing a first-round TKO in a rematch with Clarke.
Although Wardley expressed eagerness to face Usyk, the fight did not materialize as Usyk vacated his belt, making it the second time he has relinquished a title. Dubois, who became the full IBF champion after Usyk’s departure, defended his title with a fifth-round knockout of Anthony Joshua before losing to Usyk in July 2025.
Following Wardley’s championship win, promoter Frank Warren celebrated the achievement, hailing Wardley as the new star in heavyweight boxing. Warren expressed pride in Wardley’s success and anticipated significant fights ahead as Wardley defends his WBO title and cements his legacy in the sport.