Wardley becomes WBO heavyweight champion after Usyk vacates belt
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Ukrainian gives up undisputed heavyweight title status
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Fabio Wardley becomes sixth Briton to hold WBO crown
Fabio Wardley has been upgraded to WBO heavyweight champion after Oleksandr Usyk elected to relinquish the title – and his undisputed status – rather than defend it against the unbeaten Briton.
Wardley wrested the interim title from Joseph Parker via a dramatic 11th-round stoppage last month and was mandated to face the Ukrainian before the end of September.