Fabio Wardley crowned new heavyweight champion as Oleksandr Usyk vacates title | The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload ourSocial PartnerWe are 8 logo (opens in a new tab)AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleSam BrookesMonday 17 November 2025 20:27 GMTFabio Wardley is the new WBO heavyweight champion (Steven Paston/PA) (PA Wire)Fabio Wardley is the new WBO heavyweight champion after Oleksandr Usyk decided to relinquish his title.Wardley’s promoter, Frank Warren, confirmed the news on social media on Monday evening.Usyk became the undisputed heavyweight champion when he knocked out Daniel Dubois in their rematch at Wembley Stadium in July.Wardley earned his spot as Usyk’s mandatory challenger by beating Joseph Parker at the O2 Arena last month.The Brit has now been elevated to full WBO champion, with Usyk remaining the holder of the IBF, WBA and WBC titles.Thank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in