Usyk Vacates WBO Belt; Wardley Becomes The New Champ

Oleksandr Usyk has vacated the WBO Heavyweight title, meaning Fabio Wardley becomes the full champion.

The WBO President Gustavo Olivieri confirmed the news, as Usyk is no longer the Undisputed Heavyweight Champion. The Ukrainian’s last fight was a stoppage win over Daniel Dubois in July, which made him the Undisputed Heavyweight Champion for the second time. He is currently recovering from a back injury, but is expected to be back in the ring next year. The decision to vacate means Usyk can target bigger, more lucrative fights, now that he is not beholden to mandatory obligations. Naturally, this raises questions over who Usyk could face next.

Reaction

“The WBO extends its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Oleksandr Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion. His career stands as one of the most extraordinary and historic of the modern boxing era. [Our] doors will always remain open to Usyk and his team,” Olivieri

“Britain has a new heavyweight world champion and a new star of the sport. One of the most incredible stories I’ve seen in my 45 years as a promoter and 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,” Frank Warren

Options

Usyk could face Tyson Fury (if he returns from retirement) in a third fight. The Gypsy King has previously said he would come back for an Usyk trilogy. The goal for Usyk, who became undisputed champion for the second time with his victory over Dubois, will be to consolidate his position as the clear number one heavyweight in the world. However, since he has beaten Fury twice, the demand to see it again will not be as high.

Another option remains a clash with Anthony Joshua, should Joshua prove his willingness to fight Usyk for a third time. Similarly, a high-profile, non-title grudge match with Deontay Wilder, if the American returns to contention, would be a spectacle. However, given that Usyk is 38-years-old, he has to weigh up the risks, as father time catches up with everyone.