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

The UK's Fabio Wardley is expected to be elevated to heavyweight title holder after Oleksandr Usyk chose to vacate his title

This follows after Usyk informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not engage in a obligatory title fight against his mandatory opponent

WBO Statement

The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his belt after deep reflection"

The Ukrainian maintains the three major championship belts, having beaten his British opponent at the national stadium in the summer month to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He originally secured the all-belt title holder in last year by defeating the British champion, before vacating another belt five weeks later and deciding not to fight the mandatory challenger

"Organization head Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a official release"

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

"His record represents one of the most remarkable and significant of the recent fighting history"

The WBO added that its doors "will always remain open the fighter and his management"

Championship History

The champion captured the world title in 2021 by overcoming Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In mid-year, the championship body required discussions for a mandatory defence against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to require rescheduling of the bout

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, won the provisional belt from the New Zealander with a huge upset in the championship rounds at London's O2 Arena in the previous month and was mandated to face Usyk before the month's conclusion

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced the title change but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a done deal

"The UK has a fresh boxing champion and a rising boxing talent"

"A truly extraordinary path throughout my decades as a sports manager and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Major contests coming up for 2026 as he maintains his title and creates a true legacy in the fighting community"

The champion started fighting at twenty years old, developing through alternative boxing and has had just 21 professional fights

Coming Challenges

• The likely championship upgrade marks a significant moment in heavyweight boxing
• Usyk's decision to give up the championship opens new opportunities for more fighters
• The fighting community now expects formal announcement from the boxing organization
• Wardley's story from late starter to title holder continues to motivate others