Fabio Wardley Poised to Become World Heavyweight Champion as Ukrainian Champion Usyk Relinquishes Title

The UK's boxing star will be upgraded to heavyweight title holder after Oleksandr Usyk decided to relinquish his championship belt

This situation arises after Ukrainian fighter informed the World Boxing Organisation 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 defeated Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in the summer month to become a repeat unified title holder

He initially achieved the complete unified champion in spring 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title a month afterwards and choosing to avoid the mandatory challenger

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

"The organization offers its sincere admiration and thanks to Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His achievements mark one of the most impressive and memorable of the recent fighting history"

The WBO added that its institution will continue to support Usyk and his team"

Belt Timeline

Usyk won the championship in 2021 by beating the British star and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In summer, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a required title defense against temporary title holder Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to force the postponement of the bout

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, 30, captured the temporary championship from the New Zealander with a huge upset in the 11th round at the capital's venue 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 representative believes it is a certainty

"England has a new heavyweight world champion and a new star of the sport"

"A truly extraordinary path during my long career as a promoter and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Some huge fights ahead for next year as he maintains his title and establishes his place in the boxing world"

The champion started fighting at twenty years old, developing through alternative boxing and has had a limited professional record

What's Next

• The anticipated title change marks a significant moment in the division
• The champion's choice to vacate the belt paves the way for other contenders
• The boxing world now anticipates verification from the WBO
• The British fighter's journey from unconventional beginning to title holder continues to inspire many