Fabio Wardley Expected to Become World Heavyweight Champion as Ukrainian Champion Usyk Gives Up Championship

England's boxing star will be upgraded to WBO heavyweight champion after Oleksandr Usyk opted to give up his championship belt

This follows after Ukrainian fighter notified the WBO he would not proceed with a required championship defense against the British challenger

Official Announcement

The WBO stated that the champion decided to give up his title after thoughtful consideration"

The Ukrainian maintains the multiple world titles, having beaten his British opponent at the famous London venue in the summer month to become a double undisputed champion

He first became the all-belt title holder in May 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt shortly after and deciding not to fight the required opponent

"Organization head Gustavo Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a announcement"

"Officials expressed its sincere admiration and thanks to Oleksandr Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His career stands as one of the most remarkable and significant of the modern boxing era"

The boxing body stated that its institution will continue to support the fighter and his management"

Belt Timeline

The champion captured the WBO belt in 2021 by beating the British star and went on to defend it four times

In mid-year, the boxing organization mandated talks for a required title defense against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a champion's back problem to require rescheduling of the fight

Wardley's Rise

But the 30-year-old British fighter, won the provisional belt from Parker with a significant shock in the later stages at the famous London arena last month and was required to challenge Usyk before the end of September

The championship body still needs to verify the British fighter's elevation but his manager Warren believes it is a done deal

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

"One of the most incredible stories I've seen in my 45 years 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 builds his reputation in the boxing world"

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

Future Prospects

• Wardley's expected promotion represents an important development in the weight class
• The champion's choice to vacate the belt creates fresh possibilities for other contenders
• The fighting community now anticipates verification from the boxing organization
• The champion's path from alternative background to championship status continues to inspire many