Just 23 days after his dramatic comeback stoppage of Joseph Parker, Fabio Wardley is officially the new WBO world heavyweight champion. The development comes after the sanctioning body confirmed it received formal notice that undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk has relinquished the belt a move described by the WBO as a “respectful pause, not a farewell.”
Wardley (20-0-1, 19 KOs), who turns 31 next month, has spent the morning reposting the news across social media as British fight fans celebrate the country’s newest heavyweight titleholder. The timing is notable: the announcement lands during fight week for two other Britons competing for world championships on the stacked Ring IV card in Riyadh.
WBO Salutes Usyk: “One of the Most Extraordinary Careers of the Modern Era”
In its official announcement, the WBO paid tribute to Usyk’s extraordinary body of work, highlighting his run as an undefeated, two-division champion and long-reigning WBO Super Champion.
“The WBO extends its profound respect, admiration, and gratitude to Oleksandr Usyk,” the statement read. “His career stands as one of the most extraordinary and historic of the modern boxing era.”
Usyk (24-0, 15 KOs) first competed for a WBO regional title just one year into his professional career, eventually claiming the full cruiserweight championship from then-unbeaten Krzysztof Głowacki in Poland. From there, he unified the division with wins over Mairis Briedis and Murata Gassiev, before moving to heavyweight and ultimately capturing the undisputed crown.
The WBO emphasized that Usyk’s team framed the relinquishing of the title as a temporary step, not the end of his affiliation with the organization.
Frank Warren: “Britain Has a New Heavyweight World Champion”
Wardley’s promoter, Frank Warren, celebrated the news, calling Wardley’s rise one of the most remarkable stories of his decades-long career.
“Britain has a new heavyweight world champion and a new star of the sport,” Warren said on social media. “One of the most incredible stories I’ve seen in my 45 years as a promoter. I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley. Some huge fights ahead for 2026 as he defends his WBO belt and creates a true legacy in the sport.”
