If Not Usyk, Then Itauma: WBO President Names Wardley’s Next Opponent

President of the World Boxing Organization (WBO) Gustavo Olivieri explained that if the undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk is unable to face interim WBO heavyweight titleholder Fabio Wardley for valid reasons, Wardley will be required to make a mandatory defense against rising British contender Moses Itauma.

“The committee reserves the right to mandate the interim champion to make a mandatory defense.

If Usyk becomes unavailable for any justified reason, we will officially order a mandatory challenger,” — said Olivieri.

On October 25, Fabio Wardley (20-0-1, 19 KO) defeated Joseph Parker via 11th-round technical knockout. Following that bout, the WBO ordered Oleksandr Usyk (24-0, 15 KO) to defend his undisputed championship against the winner.

Moses Itauma (13-0, 11 KO) last fought in August, stopping Dillian Whyte via first-round TKO.