Oleksandr Usyk Relinquishes WBO World Heavyweight Title
The heavyweight champion, Oleksandr Usyk, has relinquished his World Boxing Organization (WBO) world title. This decision has led to the British Fabio Wardley being promoted to full world champion. The WBO confirmed that 30-year-old Wardley will take Usyk’s belt, becoming the full champion. This announcement comes after the Ukrainian boxer’s decision to vacate the title. Usyk, who knocked out Daniel Dubois in June, became undisputed heavyweight champion for the second time, holding all four major 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. Meanwhile, Parker chose 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 Wardley’s rise to full heavyweight champion.The WBO expressed its deep respect and gratitude to Usyk, an undisputed two-division world champion and a boxer who has earned and exemplified all the rights, privileges, and honors associated with the distinction of WBO Super Champion. His career is one of the most extraordinary and historic of the modern boxing era. After his victory over Parker, Wardley challenged Usyk, and his team was confident the fight would take place. 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 still unclear.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.
WBO Statement
