Fabio Wardley Set to Become WBO World Champion as Usyk Relinquishes Title

Britain's Fabio Wardley is set to be promoted to heavyweight title holder after Usyk decided to relinquish his championship belt

This development comes after Ukrainian fighter notified the WBO he would not proceed with a mandatory title defence against Wardley

Boxing Organization's Position

The boxing organization confirmed that the champion decided to give up his belt after deep reflection"

The Ukrainian maintains the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in July to become a repeat unified title holder

He first became the all-belt title holder in May 2024 by defeating the British champion, before vacating another belt a month afterwards and deciding not to fight the required opponent

"WBO president Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a announcement"

"Officials expressed its deep appreciation and respect to Oleksandr Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His achievements mark one of the most extraordinary and historic of the contemporary boxing period"

The boxing body stated that its doors "will always remain open the champion and his camp"

Belt Timeline

Usyk secured the world title in 2021 by overcoming Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In summer, the boxing organization mandated talks for a required title defense against New Zealand's Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to force the postponement of the fight

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, won the provisional belt from Parker with a major surprise in the championship rounds at London's O2 Arena recently and was ordered to fight the champion before the September deadline

The championship body still needs to verify the British fighter's elevation but his representative believes it is a certainty

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

"One of the most incredible stories during my long career as a boxing representative and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Significant bouts in the future for next year as he protects his championship and establishes his place in the boxing world"

Wardley only began boxing aged 20, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had just 21 professional fights

What's Next

• Wardley's expected promotion represents an important development in the weight class
• Usyk's decision to vacate the belt creates fresh possibilities for additional challengers
• The fighting community now anticipates verification from the WBO
• The British fighter's journey from late starter to title holder continues to motivate others