Overview
- The WBO said it received formal communication from Oleksandr Usyk’s team and described the step as a “respectful pause,” confirming his relinquishment of the belt.
- Fabio Wardley becomes full champion after earning the interim title with an 11th‑round stoppage of Joseph Parker on Oct. 25 in London.
- Usyk retains the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, and his next fight plans remain unannounced.
- Parker’s reported positive cocaine test on the day of the Wardley fight is under review, complicating any immediate rematch scenarios.
- WBO president Gustavo Olivieri indicated No. 1 contender Moses Itauma could become Wardley’s mandatory if he beats Jermaine Franklin, though ties within the same camp could affect timing.