For the second time in his career, Oleksandr Usyk has stepped away from undisputed status in the heavyweight division by relinquishing part of the crown. On Monday, the Ukrainian star officially vacated the WBO heavyweight title, notifying the organization of his decision in a written email. As a result, interim titleholder Fabio Wardley, who had been Usyk’s mandatory challenger, was immediately elevated to full WBO champion.

In a statement Monday the WBO confirmed receiving Usyk’s communication and acknowledged the significance of his choice. “After thoughtful consideration, Usyk has elected to relinquish the title,” the organization said. WBO president Gustavo Olivieri praised Usyk’s remarkable achievements, calling him “one of the most extraordinary and historic” champions of the modern era and emphasizing his integrity, discipline, and global impact on the sport.

The Ukranian Usyk’s journey to the heavyweight championship began after his dominant run at cruiserweight, where he also became the undisputed champion after having won Olympic gold in 2012. He claimed the WBO, WBA, and IBF heavyweight titles in August 2021 by defeating Anthony Joshua via unanimous decision. Over the next three years, Usyk defended the WBO belt five times, including his 2022 rematch victory over Joshua, a knockout of Daniel Dubois, and two dramatic decision wins against Tyson Fury. His most recent fight, a July 19th rematch with Dubois, ended in with another stoppage victory over him.

Although Usyk did not publicly detail his reasons for vacating the belt, a source told Dan Rafael's Fight Freaks Unite that facing Wardley did not fit into his team’s plans. So, instead of delaying Wardley’s plans in the short term, Usyk opted to relinquish the title out of respect for the challenger, his promoter Queensberry Promotions, and the WBO.

The 30-year-old Wardley (20-0-1, 19 KOs) now enters his first reign as a full world champion, after his dramatic 11th round TKO of previous interim champ Joseph Parker in London on October 24th.

Usyk still holds the WBC, WBA, and IBF titles. He previously lost his undisputed status in late 2024, when contractual obligations for his Tyson Fury rematch prevented him from fulfilling the IBF’s mandatory defense order to fight Dubois, again. Dubois subsequently kayoed Joshua in September 2024 to become their champ at the time.

As for Wardley's promoter, Queensberry released a statement Monday also. It read in part:

“Britain has a new heavyweight world champion and a new star of the sport,” said Queensberry’s promoter Frank Warren. “One of my 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.”

Wardley’s recent rise has been remarkable. With no amateur experience and a few lower level fights after turning pro in 2017, Wardley surged to the meeting with Parker with a couple of big KOs. First, he beat countryman Frazier Clarke in the first round in June 2024, and then, while trailing on the scorecards, scored a booming KO of Australian Justis Huni in round 10 back in March of this year.  That set up the challenge with Parker, who opted for the payday with Wardley as a significant favorite, only to have Wardley score a barrage of punches and have the referee stop the title fight in the 11th.

Now, we'll wait to see if Warren, who also promotes unbeaten, rising phenom, potentially makes a full WBO world title fight with the two of them in the Spring of 2026 or not?