Ipswich boxer Fabio Wardley Poised to Become World Heavyweight Champion as Usyk Gives Up Championship

The UK's heavyweight contender is expected to be elevated to heavyweight title holder after the Ukrainian champion opted to give up his title

This follows after Ukrainian fighter informed the World Boxing Organisation he would avoid a required championship defense against the British challenger

Official Announcement

The WBO stated that the champion decided to give up his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk continues to possess 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 all-belt title holder in May 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship shortly after and deciding not to fight the mandatory challenger

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

"Officials expressed its deep appreciation and respect to Oleksandr Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His record represents one of the most extraordinary and historic of the modern boxing era"

The boxing body stated that its organization will always welcome Usyk and his team"

Belt Timeline

The champion captured the WBO belt in 2021 by overcoming Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In summer, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a obligatory championship fight against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to cause the delay of the bout

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, 30, won the provisional belt from Parker with a huge upset in the championship rounds at London's O2 Arena in the previous month and was mandated to face Usyk before the month's conclusion

The WBO is yet to officially confirm Wardley's promotion but his representative believes it is a done deal

"Britain has a new heavyweight world champion and a emerging fighting personality"

"Among the most remarkable journeys during my long career as a sports manager and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Major contests coming up for next year as he maintains his title and builds his reputation in the sport"

The champion started fighting relatively late, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had a limited professional record

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 sport now awaits official confirmation from the boxing organization
• The British fighter's journey from late starter to world champion continues to motivate others