Fabio Wardley has achieved the status of heavyweight world champion following Oleksandr Usyk’s decision to relinquish his title. In an exciting match last month, Wardley defeated Joseph Parker in the 11th round to claim the interim WBO championship. Despite being mandated to defend his four belts against Wardley, Usyk opted out of facing the British boxer for the ninth time.

Usyk, a two-time undisputed world champion, had victories over Tyson Fury and Daniel Dubois. Initially planning to retire after one more fight, Usyk recently announced his intention to continue boxing for an additional two years. Wardley’s journey to becoming a world champion is remarkable, starting his career in white-collar boxing with no amateur background but achieving success since turning professional in 2017.

With a record of 20 wins, one draw, and no losses, Wardley has secured 19 knockouts, defeating notable opponents like Justis Huni, David Adeleye, Nick Gorman, and Nick Webb. The only blemish on his record is a draw against Frazer Clarke, which Wardley avenged with a first-round TKO in a rematch. Despite expressing eagerness to face Usyk, Wardley did not need to fight the current heavyweight champion to realize his dream.

This is the second time Usyk has vacated a title, having relinquished the IBF belt previously to pursue a rematch with Tyson Fury instead of facing the mandatory challenger, Dubois. Dubois later claimed the full IBF championship and defended it with a fifth-round knockout of Anthony Joshua before losing to Usyk. Wardley’s promoter, Frank Warren, celebrated Wardley’s WBO heavyweight championship win, highlighting upcoming exciting fights and Wardley’s potential to leave a lasting legacy in the sport.