Britain's Fabio Wardley Set to Become World Boxing Champion as Ukrainian Champion Usyk Vacates Belt

Britain's boxing star is set to be promoted to WBO heavyweight champion after Oleksandr Usyk opted to give up his championship belt

This situation arises after the champion told boxing authorities he would not engage in a mandatory title defence against his mandatory opponent

WBO Statement

The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his championship following careful thought"

Usyk still holds the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in July to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He initially achieved the all-belt title holder in May 2024 by defeating the British champion, before giving up the IBF title shortly after and opting out of facing the obligatory contender

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

"The organization offers its deep appreciation and respect to the Ukrainian champion, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His achievements mark one of the most extraordinary and historic of the modern boxing era"

The boxing body stated that its doors "will always remain open the champion and his camp"

Championship History

Usyk won the world title in two years ago by overcoming Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In July, the boxing organization mandated talks for a required title defense against New Zealand's Parker, only for a champion's back problem to cause the delay of the bout

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, 30, won the provisional belt from his opponent with a major surprise in the championship rounds at the famous London arena recently and was mandated to face Usyk before the month's conclusion

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced Wardley's promotion but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a done deal

"England has a recent title holder and a new star of the sport"

"A truly extraordinary path I've seen in my 45 years 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 fighting community"

The champion started fighting at twenty years old, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had only 21 pro bouts

Coming Challenges

• Wardley's expected promotion signals a major shift in the division
• Usyk's decision to relinquish the title opens new opportunities for other contenders
• The boxing world now expects formal announcement from the championship body
• The champion's path from alternative background to championship status continues to capture attention