Fabio Wardley Poised to Become WBO World Champion as Oleksandr Usyk Gives Up Championship

England's boxing star will be upgraded to heavyweight title holder after the Ukrainian champion decided to relinquish his world title

This development comes after the champion notified the WBO he would not engage in a mandatory title defence against his mandatory opponent

Official Announcement

The WBO stated that Usyk chose to vacate his belt after deep reflection"

The Ukrainian maintains the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in July to become a double undisputed champion

He first became the four-belt undisputed champion in spring 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship five weeks later and deciding not to fight the required opponent

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

"Officials expressed its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Oleksandr Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world 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 the champion and his camp"

Championship History

Usyk secured the WBO belt in two years ago 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 force the postponement of the fight

Wardley's Rise

But the 30-year-old British fighter, took the interim title from his opponent with a huge upset in the championship rounds at London's O2 Arena in the previous month and was ordered to fight the champion before the September deadline

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the British fighter's elevation but his manager Warren believes it is a formality

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

"A truly extraordinary path I've seen in my 45 years as a boxing representative and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Major contests coming up for next year as he maintains his title and creates a true legacy in the boxing world"

Wardley entered the sport at twenty years old, developing through alternative boxing and has had a limited professional record

Coming Challenges

• The anticipated title change signals a major shift in the division
• The champion's choice to give up the championship creates fresh possibilities for additional challengers
• The boxing world now anticipates verification from the championship body
• The champion's path from alternative background to championship status continues to inspire many