Britain's Fabio Wardley Expected to Become World Boxing Champion as Oleksandr Usyk Gives Up Championship

The UK's boxing star is set to be promoted to WBO heavyweight champion after Usyk opted to give up his title

This follows after Usyk informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not engage in a required championship defense against Wardley

Official Announcement

The WBO stated that the champion decided to give up his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk still holds the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in mid-year to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He first became the all-belt title holder in spring 2024 by defeating the British champion, before giving up the IBF title shortly after and opting out of facing the required opponent

"Organization head Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a official release"

"The organization offers its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Oleksandr Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His career stands as one of the most remarkable and significant of the contemporary boxing period"

The boxing body stated that its institution will continue to support the fighter and his management"

Belt Timeline

The champion captured the world title in recently by overcoming Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In mid-year, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a required title defense against New Zealand's Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to require rescheduling of the fight

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, 30, captured the temporary championship from his opponent with a major surprise in the championship rounds at the capital's venue in the previous month and was mandated to face Usyk before the September deadline

The championship body still needs to verify the British fighter's elevation but his manager Warren believes it is a done deal

"The UK has a new heavyweight world champion and a new star of the sport"

"Among the most remarkable journeys during my long career as a sports manager and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

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

Wardley entered the sport at twenty years old, developing through alternative boxing and has had only 21 pro bouts

Future Prospects

• Wardley's expected promotion marks a significant moment in the weight class
• The Ukrainian's move to vacate the belt paves the way for other contenders
• The fighting community now awaits official confirmation from the WBO
• The British fighter's journey from late starter to title holder continues to capture attention