Fabio Wardley has claimed the heavyweight world champion title after Oleksandr Usyk relinquished his belt. Wardley defeated Joseph Parker in the 11th round last month to secure the interim WBO championship. Usyk, who was mandated to defend his four titles against Wardley, opted out of facing the Ipswich fighter in what would have been his ninth bout against a British opponent.
Usyk, a two-time undisputed world champion, had victories over Tyson Fury and Daniel Dubois. Despite initially planning to retire after one more fight, he recently announced his intention to continue boxing for two more years. Wardley’s rise to world champion status marks a remarkable journey from his start in the white-collar boxing scene. With a professional record of 20 wins, one draw, and no losses, including 19 knockouts, Wardley has defeated notable opponents like Justis Huni, David Adeleye, Nick Gorman, and Nick Webb.
His only draw came against Frazer Clarke, but Wardley avenged it with a first-round TKO in a rematch last October. While Wardley aimed to face Usyk, he ultimately achieved his dream of becoming a world champion without fighting the current heavyweight king. This is not the first time Usyk has relinquished a title, having previously given up his IBF belt to pursue a rematch with Fury instead of facing mandatory challenger Dubois.
In a similar fashion, Dubois became the full IBF champion before losing to Usyk in a match last July. Wardley’s promoter, Frank Warren, expressed pride in Wardley’s accomplishment, hailing him as a new star in the boxing world with a bright future ahead as he defends his WBO belt and builds a lasting legacy in the sport.
