Oleksandr Usyk has relinquished his undisputed world heavyweight title. The reasons for this decision have not yet been disclosed, but the WBO has stated that it respects the Ukrainian boxer’s choice.
A corresponding statement was published on the official website of the World Boxing Organization in X.
The WBO stated that it accepts and respects the boxer’s decision.
“This is not a farewell, but, as his team put it, a respectful pause. The doors of the WBO will always remain open to Oleksandr Usyk and his team,” the statement said.
WBO President Gustavo Olivieri expressed his respect for the Ukrainian boxer and noted that his career is one of the most outstanding and remarkable in the history of modern boxing.
“The WBO expresses its deep respect, admiration, and gratitude to Oleksandr Usyk, the undefeated WBO world champion in two weight classes, a fighter who has earned and embodied every right, privilege, and honor that belongs to the WBO Super Champion,” the statement said.
The new champion is Britain’s Fabio Wardley, who defeated New Zealand’s Joseph Parker for the WBO interim title.