Fabio Wardley elevation to full time WBO heavyweight champion definitely makes things complicated with his own stablemate. The move raises immediate questions about the WBO’s mandatory landscape. Just two weeks ago, WBO president Gustavo Olivieri told The Ring that if an Usyk–Wardley fight couldn’t be made, Wardley then the interim champion would be required to face Moses Itauma, the teenage prodigy ranked as the mandatory challenger.
“The committee reserves the right to enforce a mandatory on the interim champion,” Olivieri said. “If Usyk is not available for any justified reason, we would enforce a mandatory.”
Now that Fabio Wardley has been elevated to full champion, the mandatory order becomes cloudier. Itauma is Wardley’s gymmate and stablemate under the Queensberry banner is already scheduled to headline in Manchester against Jermaine Franklin on January 24. The promotion has so far steered both fighters along separate developmental paths, avoiding the possibility of an intra-camp showdown.
What Happens Next?
Speculation over Usyk’s next chapter will only intensify. The Ukrainian legend has been linked to several potential opponents and may yet circle back to heavyweight title action in 2026.
Wardley now holds a world championship he once seemed miles away from claiming considering he was a recruitment consultant with just four pro fights when he sparred Usyk back in 2018. Now, less than a decade later, he’s the man with the belt. The next move is up to the WBO, Queensberry, and the rapidly shifting heavyweight chessboard. Boxing fans will be watching to see who Wardley’s first title defense will be against.
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Robert LaMar is a writer for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
