Oleksandr Usyk gives up world title and hands over | Boxing News

British boxer Fabio Wardley is on the brink of being named heavyweight world champion after Oleksandr Usyk relinquished his title. Wardley claimed victory over Joseph Parker in the eleventh spherical of a gripping encounter last month, securing his place as interim WBO champion. Usyk had beforehand been instructed to defend his 4 belts against the Ipswich fighter but has chosen not to proceed with what would have been his ninth bout with a British opponent.

The Ukrainian has twice held the undisputed world champion title following victories over Tyson Fury and Daniel Dubois. He had supposed to struggle just once more, but not too long ago disclosed plans to lengthen his profession for another two years. For Wardley, being topped world champion would mark an extraordinary pinnacle of a profession that began in the white-collar boxing scene. Despite having no newbie profession, he has triumphed in all but one of his skilled bouts since turning professional in 2017.

His spectacular file of 20 wins, zero losses and one draw contains a complete of 19 knockouts, defeating opponents such as Justis Huni, David Adeleye, Nick Gorman and Nathan Webb.

The only boxer to have held Wardley to a draw so far, tarnishing his in any other case good file, is Frazer Clarke, who first confronted off against the 30-year-old last March.

However, their quick rematch, which passed off in October of the same 12 months, put any doubts about who was the superior boxer to relaxation, as Wardley secured a first-round TKO against the Burton-born heavyweight.

Wardley had beforehand expressed his eagerness to face Usyk, telling Sky Sports: “That has been the goal for a number of years now. That’s been the objective. That’s been everything I’ve wanted.”

Yet finally, no bout with the game’s current dominant power proved essential for Wardley to fulfil his world champion ambitions. This marks the second event Usyk has relinquished a belt, having vacated his IBF title last 12 months after opting for an quick rematch with Fury instead of dealing with the organisation’s necessary challenger, Dubois.

Dubois subsequently claimed the IBF title with a fifth-round knockout of Anthony Joshua at Wembley last September. But his reign proved temporary, finally assembly Usyk in July 2025 at the same venue, where the British fighter suffered a fifth-round stoppage himself.

Wardley’s promoter, Frank Warren, swiftly responded to the news of his fighter changing into the WBO heavyweight champion of the world. Posting a {photograph} of his boxer on X, he declared: “Britain has a new heavyweight world champion and a new star of the sport.

“One of the most unbelievable tales I’ve seen in my 45 years as a promoter and I couldn’t be prouder of @FabioWardley. Some enormous fights forward for 2026 as he defends his WBO belt and creates a true legacy in the game.”