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

The UK's boxing star is set to be promoted to heavyweight title holder after Oleksandr Usyk opted to give up his world title

This development comes after Usyk notified the WBO he would not engage in a obligatory title fight against the British challenger

WBO Statement

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

The Ukrainian maintains the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in mid-year to become a double undisputed champion

He initially achieved the four-belt undisputed champion in spring 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt shortly after and deciding not to fight the mandatory challenger

"WBO president the WBO leader described Usyk as exceptional in a announcement"

"The WBO extends its deep appreciation and respect to Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His career stands as one of the most impressive and memorable of the contemporary boxing period"

The organization continued that its institution will continue to support the fighter and his management"

Championship History

Usyk secured the championship in 2021 by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In summer, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a mandatory defence against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to require rescheduling of the contest

British Fighter's Journey

But the 30-year-old British fighter, won the provisional belt from his opponent with a major surprise in the later stages at London's O2 Arena recently and was ordered to fight the champion before the month's conclusion

The championship body still needs to verify the title change but his representative believes it is a formality

"England has a new heavyweight world champion and a rising boxing talent"

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

"Some huge fights ahead for the coming period as he defends his WBO belt and establishes his place in the fighting community"

Wardley entered the sport aged 20, developing through alternative boxing and has had only 21 pro bouts

Future Prospects

• Wardley's expected promotion marks a significant moment in heavyweight boxing
• The Ukrainian's move to vacate the belt opens new opportunities for additional challengers
• The boxing world now expects formal announcement from the boxing organization
• The British fighter's journey from unconventional beginning to championship status continues to capture attention