Fabio Wardley set for WBO heavyweight title after Oleksandr Usyk vacates belt

Usyk has decided to relinquish the title rather than defend it against Wardley

Fabio Wardley claimed the interim WBO heavyweight title from Joseph Parker last month. Pic: Steven Paston/PA Wire.

Fabio Wardley is set to be upgraded to WBO heavyweight champion after Oleksandr Usyk elected to relinquish the title rather than defend it against the unbeaten Briton.

Wardley wrested the interim title from Joseph Parker via a dramatic 11th-round stoppage last month and was mandated to face the Ukrainian before the end of September.

But the WBO announced on Monday that Usyk, who unified the world titles by beating another Briton, IBF champion Daniel Dubois in July, has formally relayed his decision to vacate the belt.

The WBO is yet to officially confirm Wardley’s ascent to the vacant title, but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a done deal.

Warren wrote on X: “Britain has a new heavyweight world champion and a new star of the sport.

“One of the most incredible stories I’ve seen in my 45 years as a promoter and I could not be prouder of @FabioWardley.

“Some huge fights ahead for 2026 as he defends his WBO belt and creates a true legacy in the sport.” 

Wardley started his career in white-collar boxing before turning professional in 2017 and racking up 17 straight wins.

After fighting a split-decision draw against Frazer Clarke in March 2024, he beat Clarke in one round seven months later and subsequently came from behind to stop Justis Huni and earn his shot at Parker.

If confirmed, Wardley will become the sixth Briton to hold the WBO heavyweight title, after Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, Henry Akinwande, Herbie Hide and Michael Bentt.