Britain's Fabio Wardley Poised to Become World Boxing Champion as Usyk Relinquishes Title

England's Fabio Wardley will be upgraded to WBO heavyweight champion after Usyk opted to give up his title

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

Official Announcement

The championship body announced that the champion decided to give up his title after thoughtful consideration"

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

He originally secured the four-belt undisputed champion in spring 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt a month afterwards and choosing to avoid the mandatory challenger

"Organization head the WBO leader called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a official release"

"The WBO extends its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His record represents one of the most impressive and memorable of the contemporary boxing period"

The boxing body stated that its institution will continue to support Usyk and his team"

Title Reign

The champion captured the WBO belt in 2021 by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In mid-year, the boxing organization mandated talks for a mandatory defence against New Zealand's Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to require rescheduling of the contest

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, won the provisional belt from the New Zealander with a significant shock in the championship rounds at the capital's venue last month and was required to challenge Usyk before the month's conclusion

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced Wardley's promotion but his manager Warren believes it is a formality

"Britain has a fresh boxing champion and a emerging fighting personality"

"Among the most remarkable journeys 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 protects his championship and creates a true legacy in the boxing world"

Wardley entered the sport aged 20, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had just 21 professional fights

Future Prospects

• The anticipated title change signals a major shift in the weight class
• Usyk's decision to relinquish the title paves the way for additional challengers
• The boxing world now awaits official confirmation from the championship body
• The champion's path from late starter to title holder continues to inspire many