Fabio Wardley became Britain’s second active male world champion after Oleksandr Usyk relinquished his WBO title.
The WBO announced Usyk’s decision to vacate his belt on Monday and Wardley was subsequently upgraded from interim titlist to full world champion.
The governing body had originally ordered Usyk – who still holds the WBC, WBA and IBF titles – to defend their belt against then-interim champion, Joseph Parker, but granted the Ukrainian an extension on negotiations following an injury after he stopped Daniel Dubois in July to become undisputed champion.
Wardley became the 38-year-old’s mandatory challenger after he defeated Parker on October 25 and the Ipswich man called him out after his upset win.
“I’ve got one thing and one thing only to say,” the 30-year-old said to DAZN.
“Usyk. Usyk.”
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Wardley, who joins WBA featherweight titlist, Nick Ball as Britain’s only current world champions, gave a three-word response on social media after he was confirmed as Britain’s latest heavyweight world champion.
“And The New,” he posted on X.
Wardley scored a career-best 11th round stoppage win over Parker at the O2 Arena last month.
Parker since tested positive for cocaine in a Voluntary Anti-Doping Test [VADA] conducted on the day of the fight.
It remains unclear who is next for Wardley, although a meeting with rising 20-year-old prospect, Moses Itauma, who is the number one contender to the WBO title, appears unlikely with the pair sharing the same trainer in Ben Davison.
Filip Hrgovic is the next man in line with the Croatian coming off successive victories over Joe Joyce and David Adeleye respectively, following an eighth round stoppage defeat to Daniel Dubois last June.
“Britain has a new heavyweight world champion and a new star of the sport,” promoter Frank Warren posted on X.
“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.”
