Britain's Fabio Wardley Poised to Become World Boxing Champion as Ukrainian Champion Usyk Vacates Belt

England's Fabio Wardley is expected to be elevated to heavyweight title holder after the Ukrainian champion opted to give up his championship belt

This development comes after Usyk notified the WBO he would not engage in a obligatory title fight against his mandatory opponent

Boxing Organization's Position

The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his title after thoughtful consideration"

Usyk continues to possess the multiple world titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in mid-year to become a repeat unified title holder

He originally secured the complete unified champion in spring 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title shortly after and opting out of facing the required opponent

"Boxing official the WBO leader praised the Ukrainian fighter in a announcement"

"The organization offers its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His achievements mark one of the most remarkable and significant of the modern boxing era"

The boxing body stated that its doors "will always remain open Usyk and his team"

Belt Timeline

Usyk secured the WBO belt in recently by beating the British star and went on to defend it four times

In July, the boxing organization mandated talks for a mandatory defence against temporary title holder Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to force the postponement of the contest

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, captured the temporary championship from Parker with a significant shock in the championship rounds at the capital's venue recently and was mandated to face Usyk before the end of September

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

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

"A truly extraordinary path throughout my decades as a sports manager and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Major contests coming up for the coming period as he protects his championship and creates a true legacy in the boxing world"

The champion started fighting relatively late, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene 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 relinquish the title paves the way for other contenders
• The sport now expects formal announcement from the championship body
• The British fighter's journey from alternative background to championship status continues to inspire many