Oleksandr Usyk Relinquishes WBO Heavyweight World Title
Heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has relinquished his World Boxing Organization (WBO) world title. This decision has led to the British fighter Fabio Wardley being promoted to full world champion.
The WBO confirmed that 30-year-old Wardley will assume Usyk’s belt, becoming the full champion after the Ukrainian’s resignation announcement.
Usyk, who knocked out Daniel Dubois in June to become undisputed heavyweight champion, held all four division belts.
Subsequently, the WBO ordered Usyk to face the interim champion at that time, Joseph Parker.
However, Usyk, citing an injury, received additional time to recover, while Parker opted to fight Wardley to stay active.
On October 25th in London, Wardley surprised Parker with a stoppage in the eleventh round, obtaining the interim title. This has resulted in the Englishman’s rise to full heavyweight champion.
The World Boxing Organization (WBO) announced that it has received formal communication from Oleksandr Usyk’s team regarding the future of the WBO Heavyweight Championship. After careful consideration, Usyk has chosen to relinquish the title.
The WBO expressed its respect and gratitude to Oleksandr Usyk, an undisputed two-division world champion of the WBO, highlighting his extraordinary career in modern boxing.
After his victory over Parker, Wardley challenged Usyk, and his team was confident the fight would materialize. However, Usyk’s relinquishing of the belt suggests he might not face Wardley next.
Usyk, who was also undisputed at cruiserweight before conquering the heavyweight division, has mentioned that he will fight in 2026, but his next move is uncertain.
