Ipswich boxer Fabio Wardley Poised to Become World Heavyweight Champion as Ukrainian Champion Usyk Gives Up Championship

The UK's Fabio Wardley will be upgraded to world boxing champion after Oleksandr Usyk decided to relinquish his world title

This situation arises after the champion notified the WBO he would not proceed with a required championship defense against Wardley

WBO Statement

The WBO stated that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk still holds the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having beaten his British opponent at Wembley Stadium in mid-year to become a repeat unified title holder

He first became the complete unified champion in May 2024 by defeating the British champion, before giving up the IBF title five weeks later and opting out of facing the mandatory challenger

"Boxing official Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a official release"

"The organization offers its sincere admiration and thanks to the Ukrainian champion, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His career stands as one of the most extraordinary and historic of the modern boxing era"

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

Championship History

The champion captured the championship in 2021 by beating the British star and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In mid-year, the championship body required discussions for a obligatory championship fight against New Zealand's Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to cause the delay of the fight

Wardley's Rise

But the 30-year-old British fighter, won the provisional belt from Parker with a major surprise in the later stages at London's O2 Arena last month and was mandated to face Usyk before the September deadline

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

"England has a fresh boxing champion and a new star of the sport"

"Among the most remarkable journeys during my long career as a boxing representative and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Some huge fights ahead for next year as he protects his championship and builds his reputation in the fighting community"

Wardley entered the sport relatively late, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had a limited professional record

Future Prospects

• The anticipated title change signals a major shift in the weight class
• Usyk's decision to vacate the belt creates fresh possibilities for more fighters
• The boxing world now expects formal announcement from the boxing organization
• The British fighter's journey from unconventional beginning to championship status continues to motivate others