Britain's Fabio Wardley Expected to Become World Boxing Champion as Oleksandr Usyk Vacates Belt

England's heavyweight contender is set to be promoted to WBO heavyweight champion after Usyk decided to relinquish his world title

This development comes after Usyk notified the WBO he would not engage in a required championship defense against his mandatory opponent

WBO Statement

The championship body announced that the champion decided to give up his championship following careful thought"

Usyk continues to possess the three major championship belts, having beaten his British opponent at Wembley Stadium in the summer month to become a repeat unified title holder

He first became the four-belt undisputed champion in May 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship five weeks later and choosing to avoid the required opponent

"Organization head Gustavo Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a statement"

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

"His achievements mark one of the most impressive and memorable of the contemporary boxing period"

The organization continued that its institution will continue to support Usyk and his team"

Championship History

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

In mid-year, the boxing organization mandated talks for a obligatory championship fight against New Zealand's Parker, only for a champion's back problem to require rescheduling of the contest

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, 30, captured the temporary championship from his opponent with a significant shock in the later stages at London's O2 Arena recently and was ordered to fight the champion before the end of September

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced Wardley's promotion but his representative believes it is a certainty

"The UK has a recent title holder and a rising boxing talent"

"Among the most remarkable journeys I've seen in my 45 years as a boxing representative and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Major contests coming up for next year as he defends his WBO belt and builds his reputation in the sport"

Wardley entered the sport at twenty years old, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had a limited professional record

What's Next

• Wardley's expected promotion represents an important development in the division
• The champion's choice to give up the championship opens new opportunities for other contenders
• The fighting community now anticipates verification from the boxing organization
• Wardley's story from late starter to title holder continues to motivate others