Oleksandr Usyk Vacates World Title With New Champion Announced

Oleksandr Usyk has one less belt in his collection after relinquishing one of his titles.

After dominating at cruiserweight, the Ukrainian has repeated the feat in the heavyweight division - capturing all of the belts to become undisputed champion twice after performing doubles over Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Daniel Dubois in a stunning run.

Usyk's last fight saw him capture the IBF title with a second knockout win over Dubois in July but he has now given up the WBO strap, with the vacation confirmed by the governing body.

It means Fabio Wardley has been promoted to the WBO world heavyweight champion following his 11th round stoppage against Joseph Parker in an interim WBO title fight.

He had been told to defend his four belts against Wardley, who became mandatory challenger.

But the Ipswich fighter, who came from the white collar circuit, has claimed a world title without having to beat the man widely deemed to be the best pound-for-pound fighter on the planet.

A statement from the WBO read: "The World Boxing Organization (WBO) announced today that it has received formal communication from Team Oleksandr Usyk regarding the future of the WBO Heavyweight Championship. After thoughtful consideration, Usyk has elected to relinquish the title.”

Usyk has ended his undisputed reign. Image: Getty

Usyk has not personally commented on the decision but injury was previously cited as a reason he could not agree to fight to his most recent mandatory title defence.

Wardley's promoter Frank Warren weighed in with his reaction to the huge news, paying tribute to the 30-year-old and promising big fights in 2026.

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

"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."

With no amateur background and a handful of white collar bouts, Wardley turned professional in 2017 and is undefeated - with 20 wins, 19 knockouts and one draw.

Responding to becoming world champion, Wardley simply wrote, "#AndTheNew" on social media.

Usyk's next career step is not yet known at this moment but he has said he expects to return to the ring in 2026.