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

England's boxing star will be upgraded to world boxing champion after the Ukrainian champion chose to vacate his world title

This situation arises after Usyk informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not engage in a required championship defense against the British challenger

Official Announcement

The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk chose to vacate his title after thoughtful consideration"

The Ukrainian maintains the three major championship belts, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in the summer month to become a double undisputed champion

He first became the four-belt undisputed champion in May 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title shortly after and opting out of facing the required opponent

"Organization head Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a official release"

"The organization offers its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to the Ukrainian champion, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His achievements mark one of the most extraordinary and historic of the contemporary boxing period"

The organization continued that its organization will always welcome the fighter and his management"

Championship History

Usyk won the championship in recently by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In mid-year, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a obligatory championship fight against New Zealand's Parker, only for a champion's back problem to require rescheduling of the contest

New Champion's Path

But the 30-year-old British fighter, took the interim title from his opponent with a significant shock in the 11th round at the capital's venue last month and was required to challenge Usyk before the September deadline

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the British fighter's elevation but his representative believes it is a done deal

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

"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"

"Some huge fights ahead for the coming period as he defends his WBO belt and creates a true legacy in the boxing world"

Wardley only began boxing aged 20, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had only 21 pro bouts

Coming Challenges

• The anticipated title change represents an important development in the division
• The champion's choice to vacate the belt paves the way for additional challengers
• The boxing world now awaits official confirmation from the boxing organization
• The British fighter's journey from alternative background to title holder continues to motivate others