"One of the most incredible stories I’ve seen in my 45 years as a promoter," declared Frank Warren.

The news that Oleksandr Usyk had vacated his WBO title was swiftly followed by confirmation that Fabio Wardley was now a world champion.

The 30-year-old's win over Joseph Parker last month was one that has ultimately made him the sixth British fighter to hold the WBO heavyweight title.

It has been a remarkable rise for Wardley, who only took up boxing ten years ago and did not have a single amateur fight.

His promoter Warren has promised "some huge fights" in 2026, even if the planned undisputed showdown with Usyk has now been shelved.

Itauma would become the mandatory contender for Wardley by beating Jermaine Franklin

WBO president Gustavo Olivieri

According to WBO president

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