Oleksandr Usyk Vacates WBO World Heavyweight Title
The heavyweight champion, Oleksandr Usyk, has relinquished his WBO world title this Monday. This has led to the British Fabio Wardley being promoted to full world champion. Usyk, who previously knocked out Daniel Dubois in June, to become undisputed heavyweight champion for the second time, possessed all four belts. The WBO ordered Usyk to defend his title against the interim champion at the time, Joseph Parker. However, Usyk requested additional time to recover from an injury, and 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 as the full heavyweight champion.The WBO expressed its respect and gratitude to Usyk, an undisputed two-division world champion and a boxer who has honored and exemplified all the rights and honors associated with the WBO Super Champion distinction. After his victory over Parker, Wardley challenged Usyk, and his team was confident the fight would take place. However, Usyk’s decision to vacate 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 not clear.The World Boxing Organization (WBO) announced today 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
