Oleksandr Usyk gave up one of his four world championship belts instead of taking on mandatory challenger Fabio Wardley
12:59, 26 Jan 2026Updated 13:04, 26 Jan 2026
Oleksandr Usyk does not have a fight planned(Image: PA)
Oleksandr Usyk has been accused of ducking Fabio Wardley.
Usyk gave up his WBO heavyweight world title last year instead of taking on mandatory challenger Wardley. That saw the Brit elevated to full champion status while Usyk began to target a fight with Deontay Wilder. But Wilder is set to take on Derek Chisora in London in April, leaving Usyk without an opponent.
Wardley, meanwhile, is expected to announce his first title defence shortly – and wants to take on former two-time champion Tyson Fury who recently announced his return to the ring following a 12-month retirement. And Wardley’s manager Mike Ofo confirmed the all-British clash could take place this summer.
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“Now the world can see that Usyk was just ducking Fabio by claiming he was fighting Wilder. Clearly that isn’t happening and Usyk is still running away from fighting Fabio,” he told Sky Sports. “He should change his name to Oleksandr Ducksyk. We all know that Tyson doesn’t duck anybody and he’s proved it once again by calling out Fabio.
“Fabio is more than up for fighting Tyson and would welcome what would be a huge event for British boxing this summer. Lets get it on!” Ofo’s comments following Fury taking to social media to say: “Like I said, let’s see how I am looking in my return fight, then later in 2026 this would be a good option for me to try [and] become [three-time] heavyweight champion.
[Fabio] has a hard fight himself coming up soon. I know the fight you guys all want [Anthony Joshua] but, at this time, I won’t say his name out of respect, as he is in mourning. But if he is not going to continue in boxing, I’d like Big Fab as a big test. This would be a massive spectacle!”
Wardley responded: “All the best for the return big GK! See you soon. Wardley vs Fury. Summer 2026.”.