Overview
- The WBO said Usyk formally relinquished the belt rather than proceed with a mandatory defense against Wardley, calling the move a "respectful pause."
- Wardley is elevated from interim to full champion after his 11th‑round stoppage of Joseph Parker in October made him the WBO mandatory.
- Parker’s positive test for cocaine from the day of the Wardley fight is under investigation, leaving a potential rematch off the table for now.
- Usyk had been granted extra recovery time for injury before opting to vacate, a choice that mirrors his prior decision to give up the IBF title last year.
- Rising contender Moses Itauma is ranked No. 1 by the WBO and could be installed as Wardley’s mandatory, though promotional and training ties may shape the timing.