Tue Nov 18 14:00:00 UTC 2025: Summary:

Fabio Wardley, a boxer who began his career relatively late at age 20, is set to become the WBO heavyweight champion after Oleksandr Usyk relinquished the title. Usyk, who still holds other heavyweight titles, chose not to proceed with a mandatory defense against Wardley. Wardley’s promoter expressed pride in his fighter’s unlikely journey to the top, and anticipates exciting fights in the future.

News Article:

Ipswich’s Fabio Wardley to be Crowned WBO Heavyweight Champion After Usyk Relinquishes Title

Ipswich, UK – In a stunning turn of events, Fabio Wardley, a 30-year-old boxer who only began his professional career at the age of 20, is poised to become the WBO heavyweight champion. The title became vacant after Oleksandr Usyk, the undefeated Ukrainian champion, informed the World Boxing Organisation (WBO) of his decision to relinquish the belt.

Usyk, who remains the WBA, WBC, and IBF heavyweight champion, earned the WBO title in 2021 and successfully defended it four times. Citing a desire to pursue other challenges and after careful consideration, he declined a mandatory defense against Wardley, who claimed the interim title with an impressive 11th-round victory over Joseph Parker last month.

WBO President Gustavo Olivieri praised Usyk as a “champion of champions,” acknowledging his extraordinary career and contributions to boxing.

The unexpected turn of events has catapulted Wardley, a former unlicensed boxer, into the spotlight. His promoter, Frank Warren, expressed immense pride in Wardley’s remarkable journey, calling it “one of the most incredible stories” he’s witnessed in his 45 years in the sport. Warren has promised fans huge fights and legacy-defining performances in 2026 as Wardley defends his newly acquired title.

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