Fabio Wardley has been crowned WBO heavyweight champion after Oleksandr Usyk relinquished his title.

Wardley established himself as heir to the heavyweight crown by producing a shock knockout to beat Joseph Parker in October.

After that fight, Usyk was told by the WBO that he must defend against Wardley next, but he has now opted to vacate his belt.

Usyk, now 38, had previously been due to put his belt on the line and fight Parker, but withdrew from the bout with an injury. He has not fought since stopping Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in July.

Wardley has inherited Usyk’s title, following in the footsteps of Dubois, Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua as British heavyweight champions.

Fabio Wardley beat Joseph Parker in October Action Images via Reuters

A statement from the

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