Oleksandr Usyk Vacates WBO Heavyweight Title, Fabio Wardley Elevated to Champion

Oleksandr Usyk has officially vacated his WBO heavyweight title, a decision confirmed by the World Boxing Organization (WBO) on November 17, 2025. This move comes after Usyk, who holds the WBA, WBC, and IBF heavyweight titles, opted not to defend against Britain's Fabio Wardley, the interim champion. The WBO stated that they received formal communication from Usyk's team, indicating that the 38-year-old Ukrainian made this choice after "thoughtful consideration."

Usyk lost the title of undisputed world champion: the Ukrainian vacated the WBO heavyweight championship beltOleksandr Usyk vacates one heavyweight world titleBBC NewsOleksandr Usyk Vacates WBO Heavyweight Title - British Boxer Named New ChampionReutersFabio Wardley new WBO heavyweight champ as Oleksandr Usyk vacates titleESPNDaily MailOleksandr Usyk no longer undisputed as he drops heavyweight title to avoid unbeaten KO artist

Usyk became the undisputed heavyweight champion for the second time in July 2025 after defeating Daniel Dubois. He first achieved this status in May 2024 by beating Tyson Fury. However, following his victory over Dubois, Usyk was ordered by the WBO to face the winner of the interim title bout between Wardley and Joseph Parker. Wardley secured that interim title with an 11th-round stoppage of Parker on October 25, 2025.

Daily Mail

With Usyk's decision to vacate the title, Fabio Wardley, who boasts an impressive record of 20 wins, 0 losses, and 1 draw, is now elevated to the status of WBO heavyweight champion. Wardley expressed his ambition to face Usyk, stating, "That has been the goal for a number of years now. That's been the objective. That's been everything I've wanted." His promoter, Frank Warren, celebrated the news, calling Wardley's rise "one of the most incredible stories" in his 45 years in boxing.

Oleksandr Usyk vacates world title as Fabio Wardley upgraded to champion without throwing punch

The WBO's president, Gustavo Olivieri, praised Usyk, referring to him as "a champion of champions" and acknowledging his extraordinary career. The WBO expressed its respect for Usyk's decision, stating, "This is not a farewell, but a respectful pause. The doors of the WBO will always remain open to Oleksandr Usyk and his team."

GB NewsOleksandr Usyk vacates one heavyweight world titleUsyk lost the title of undisputed world champion: the Ukrainian vacated the WBO heavyweight championship beltUsyk relinquished his undisputed world heavyweight boxing title, — WBOReutersBBC NewsOleksandr Usyk Vacates WBO Heavyweight Title - British Boxer Named New ChampionOleksandr Usyk no longer undisputed as he drops heavyweight title to avoid unbeaten KO artist

While Usyk's decision has been met with respect from the WBO and his supporters, some critics speculate that the move may indicate a reluctance to face rising contenders like Wardley. Usyk's previous injuries and age have also raised questions about his future in the sport, with some suggesting that he may be prioritizing more lucrative fights over mandatory defenses.

Usyk Vacates WBO Belt; Wardley Becomes The New Champ

Wardley is now positioned to defend his title in 2026, with potential challengers including Moses Itauma, who is currently ranked as the WBO's number one contender. Meanwhile, Usyk's next steps remain uncertain, although he has indicated plans to continue fighting for at least two more years. The boxing community will be watching closely to see how both fighters navigate this new chapter in their careers.

Fabio Wardley new WBO heavyweight champ as Oleksandr Usyk vacates title

• “The WBO extends its profound respect, admiration, and gratitude to Oleksandr Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion,” — Gustavo Olivieri, WBO President

Reuters

• “Britain has a new heavyweight world champion and a new star of the sport.” — Frank Warren, Wardley's Promoter

Oleksandr Usyk vacates world title as Fabio Wardley upgraded to champion without throwing punch

• “This is not a farewell, but, as his team put it, a respectful pause.” — WBO Statement on Usyk's Decision

Usyk lost the title of undisputed world champion: the Ukrainian vacated the WBO heavyweight championship belt

In summary, Usyk's relinquishment of the WBO title marks a significant shift in the heavyweight boxing landscape, paving the way for Wardley to establish his legacy as a champion while leaving Usyk's future in the sport open to speculation.

Fabio Wardley new WBO heavyweight champ as Oleksandr Usyk vacates title