Fabio Wardley is set to be upgraded to the WBO heavyweight champion after the unified champion chose to give up the belt – and his undisputed champion status – as opposed to making a defense against the undefeated Briton.
Fabio Wardley's Path to the Championship
Wardley captured the interim belt from the New Zealand fighter via a thrilling 11th-round TKO last month and was mandated to challenge the Ukrainian champion before the conclusion of September.
However, the World Boxing Organization announced on Monday that the titleholder, who combined the world titles by beating another UK boxer, Daniel Dubois the IBF champion in July, has formally relayed his verdict to vacate the belt “after meticulous reflection”. Overcoming the IBF champion resulted in Usyk becoming the undisputed world heavyweight champion for a second time, but he has opted for his reign to be shortlived.
Promoter's Response
The sanctioning body is has yet to formally announce Wardley's rise to the open championship, but his manager Frank Warren believes it is a done deal.
Warren posted on his X account: “Britain has a new world heavyweight champion and a new star of the sport of boxing.
“One of the most amazing tales I’ve observed in my four and a half decades as a fight promoter and I could not be more proud of the new champion. Some significant matches ahead for next year as he protects his WBO title and establishes a genuine heritage in the sport.”
Wardley's Professional Journey
Fabio Wardley began his journey in white-collar boxing before turning professional in 2017 and achieving 17 consecutive victories. After participating in a split-decision draw against the British boxer in March of 2024, he overcame Frazer Clarke in the first round half a year later and then made a comeback to stop Justis Huni and secure his opportunity at Joseph Parker.
If confirmed, Fabio Wardley will become the sixth British fighter to claim the WBO heavyweight championship, after Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, the former champion, the two-time champion and Michael Bentt.
