Oleksandr Usyk has decided to vacate the WBO Heavyweight World Title. The highly decorated Ukrainian superstar therefore remains in possession of three of the four major belts in modern boxing. The fourth, the one belonging to the organisation headed by Mr. Gustavo Gualtieri, now passes into the hands of English boxer Fabio Wardley, the former interim champion.
It is difficult to determine with certainty the reason behind Usyk’s decision, but two explanations appear more likely than the others. The first is that the Ukrainian fighter may already have an informal agreement to face an opponent other than Wardley in the near future. The second is that, at this stage of his career, with his 39th birthday approaching, Usyk may simply want more time between fights in order not to wear down his body.
It seems extremely unlikely, however, that the current number one in the world would be afraid to step into the ring with the English puncher who, although brave and powerful, shows significant technical flaws and does not appear to possess the tools to trouble a champion of Usyk’s calibre.
Wardley can now celebrate reaching the top of the world, even if in a bureaucratic way, without having captured the belt in the ring from a reigning champion. He has nevertheless earned this prestigious recognition with the splendid victory he achieved just under a month ago against Joseph Parker, whom he stopped inside the distance, defying the bookmakers’ odds.
Many are now curious to know who will be the first challenger for the Ipswich fighter. The number one in the WBO heavyweight rankings is his fellow countryman Moses Itauma, but it is highly unlikely that the two will decide to face each other. They share the same trainer (Ben Davison) and the same promoter (Frank Warren), which is why they will likely try to pursue glory along separate paths.
More likely to be chosen is the number two contender, Croatian Filip Hrgovic, who is coming off a clear points victory over the Englishman Adeleye (who had already been stopped by Wardley). Hrgovic has an excellent amateur background and a considerable physical frame, but he has already shown his limits by losing the war of attrition against Daniel Dubois, and due to his lack of mobility he could be seen as a suitable opponent to highlight Wardley’s punching strengths.