Oleksandr Usyk gave up his WBO heavyweight world title rather than defend it against Fabio Wardley who was recently promoted to full champion

Oleksandr Usyk claims he gave up one of his world titles to allow the younger generation to fight for it.

Usyk held all four heavyweight belts but relinquished his WBO strap when he was ordered to defend it against Fabio Wardley. Wardley was subsequently upgraded to full champion status and will make his first defence in 2026.

And Usyk claims he wants to see the Brit take on stablemate Moses Itauma. The Ukrainian's camp manager Sergey Lapin told Pro Boxing Fans: “Oleksandr vacated the belt to give young boxers a chance to fight for it. Let’s see how everything develops from here. Fabio Wardley vs. Moses Itauma would be a wonderful fight for both, and it would be very interesting to see who comes out on top."

Wardley wrested the interim title from Joseph Parker via a dramatic 11th-round stoppage last month and was mandated to face the Ukrainian. But the WBO confirmed Wardley as their new champion last week after earlier acknowledging that Usyk, who unified the world titles by beating another Briton, IBF champion Daniel Dubois in July, had formally relayed his decision to vacate the belt.

Wardley’s promoter Frank Warren wrote on X: “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 @FabioWardley. Some huge fights ahead for 2026 as he defends his WBO belt and creates a true legacy in the sport.”

Wardley started his career in white-collar boxing before turning professional in 2017 and racking up 17 straight wins. After fighting a split-decision draw against Frazer Clarke in March 2024, he beat the same opponent in one round seven months later and subsequently came from behind to stop Justis Huni and earn his shot at Parker.

Wardley becomes the sixth Briton to hold the WBO heavyweight title after Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, Henry Akinwande, Herbie Hide and Michael Bentt. (Mirror)

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