Fabio Wardley has achieved the status of heavyweight world champion as Oleksandr Usyk decided to vacate his title. Wardley claimed the interim WBO championship by defeating Joseph Parker in the 11th round of an intense battle last month. Usyk, who was mandated to defend his belts against Wardley, opted out of facing the British fighter for the ninth time.
Having previously held the undisputed world champion title twice after victories over Tyson Fury and Daniel Dubois, Usyk had intended to retire after one more fight but recently announced his plan to continue competing for two more years. Wardley’s ascent to the world champion status signifies a remarkable journey from his white-collar beginnings. Despite lacking an amateur career, Wardley has excelled in the professional arena since 2017, with a record of 20 wins, one draw, and no losses, including 19 knockouts against notable opponents like Justis Huni, David Adeleye, Nick Gorman, and Nick Webb.
While Frazer Clarke remains the only boxer to have held Wardley to a draw, Wardley decisively settled the score in a rematch with a first-round TKO victory. Although Wardley expressed eagerness to face Usyk, he did not need to battle the current heavyweight champion to realize his dream of becoming a world champion. This marks the second instance in Usyk’s career where he relinquished a belt, following his decision to vacate the IBF title last year to pursue a rematch with Fury instead of facing the mandatory challenger Dubois.
In response to Wardley’s WBO heavyweight championship win, promoter Frank Warren expressed pride and excitement for Wardley’s future in the sport. Warren hailed Wardley’s achievement as a new chapter in British boxing history and anticipated significant fights ahead as Wardley defends his WBO title and solidifies his legacy in the sport.