Oleksandr Usyk Steps Away From WBO Title, Clearing the Way for a British Star to Become Champion

Oleksandr Usyk has officially given up his WBO heavyweight title, the organisation confirmed in a statement. The Ukrainian star has not stepped into the ring since defeating Daniel Dubois in July to unify the division and become the undisputed heavyweight champion.

Usyk had been lined up for a mandatory clash with Fabio Wardley, who knocked out Joseph Parker in October to become the WBO’s interim champion and top contender. A victory over the 38-year-old could have opened the door for Wardley to challenge for the WBC, WBA and IBF belts as well.

Instead, Usyk — who was ordered last September to fight the Parker–Wardley winner — has opted to vacate the WBO title, ending his second spell as undisputed champion. Wardley will now be promoted from interim to full world champion.

WBO Confirms Usyk’s Decision to Surrender the Title

In its announcement, the WBO said it had received formal notice from Usyk’s team. The statement read:
“After careful consideration, Usyk has chosen to relinquish his title. We respect and accept his decision. This is not a goodbye, but a temporary pause, as expressed by his team. The WBO will always welcome Oleksandr Usyk.”

President Gustavo Olivieri praised Usyk’s achievements, calling him “an undefeated, two-division undisputed champion” whose career ranks among the greatest of the modern era.

Usyk has been sidelined with a back injury since the Dubois fight, where he regained the IBF crown. He had originally planned to retire after one final bout in 2026, but reversed that decision in October and now hopes to continue fighting until age 41.

Wardley had previously expressed his desire to face Usyk for the undisputed crown after beating Parker. Although that matchup now appears unlikely, the Brit will be thrilled to have been crowned the country’s newest heavyweight world champion.

Reacting to the WBO’s announcement on X with the message “#AndTheNew,” Wardley’s promoter Frank Warren celebrated the achievement:
“Britain has a new heavyweight world champion and a rising star. This is one of the most remarkable stories I’ve seen in my 45 years as a promoter. I couldn’t be prouder of Fabio Wardley. Huge fights await him in 2026 as he begins building his legacy.”