Oleksandr Usyk, one of boxing’s most decorated modern champions, has vacated the WBO Heavyweight Championship, ending a four-year reign that included two undisputed title runs.
The World Boxing Organization confirmed on Monday, November 17, that it had received formal communication from Usyk’s camp indicating he was relinquishing the belt.
The decision immediately elevated Britain’s Fabio Wardley to full WBO heavyweight champion status.
Usyk’s Road to Relinquishing
Usyk, 38, last fought in July, when he knocked out Daniel DuBois to go 24-0 and reclaim the undisputed heavyweight crown for the second time.
He had been ordered to defend against the WBO’s mandatory challenger, Joseph Parker, but was granted a 90-day extension after citing a back injury.
Parker later chose to fight Wardley instead, a bout that ended in a shock upset and fuelled Wardley’s calls for a future showdown with Usyk.
In its statement, the WBO praised the Ukrainian icon’s legacy.
“After thoughtful consideration, Usyk has elected to relinquish the title,” the organisation said. “The WBO extends its profound respect, admiration, and gratitude to Oleksandr Usy. His career stands as one of the most extraordinary and historic of the modern boxing era.”
Why Usyk Stepped Away
While Usyk is yet to issue a direct public explanation, the context surrounding the move follows recent withdrawal from mandatory commitments, combined with a lingering back injury and uncertainty about his fighting future.
Usyk famously won the WBO belt in 2019 against Anthony Joshua and went on to defeat Tyson Fury in May 2024 to become undisputed for the first time at heavyweight.
He later relinquished the IBF belt to face Fury in a rematch, regaining it when he knocked out DuBois.
This latest decision marks the second time he has voluntarily vacated a world title.
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