Britain's Fabio Wardley Expected to Become World Boxing Champion as Usyk Relinquishes Title

The UK's Fabio Wardley is set to be promoted to heavyweight title holder after the Ukrainian champion decided to relinquish his championship belt

This development comes after Ukrainian fighter told boxing authorities he would not proceed with a obligatory title fight against Wardley

Official Announcement

The boxing organization confirmed that the champion decided to give up his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk still holds the three major championship belts, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in the summer month to become a repeat unified title holder

He initially achieved the complete unified champion in May 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title five weeks later and opting out of facing the required opponent

"Boxing official Gustavo Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a official release"

"The organization offers its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to the Ukrainian champion, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His record represents one of the most impressive and memorable of the contemporary boxing period"

The WBO added that its doors "will always remain open the champion and his camp"

Title Reign

The champion captured the WBO belt in 2021 by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In mid-year, the boxing organization mandated talks for a required title defense against New Zealand's Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to require rescheduling of the contest

British Fighter's Journey

But the 30-year-old British fighter, captured the temporary championship from Parker with a huge upset in the 11th round at London's O2 Arena last month and was ordered to fight the champion before the September deadline

The WBO is yet to officially confirm Wardley's promotion but his representative believes it is a done deal

"The UK has a recent title holder and a emerging fighting personality"

"A truly extraordinary path during my long career as a sports manager and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Major contests coming up for the coming period as he defends his WBO belt and establishes his place in the boxing world"

Wardley only began boxing aged 20, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had a limited professional record

Coming Challenges

• The likely championship upgrade signals a major shift in the weight class
• Usyk's decision to vacate the belt opens new opportunities for additional challengers
• The sport now awaits official confirmation from the boxing organization
• Wardley's story from alternative background to title holder continues to inspire many