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

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

This follows after Ukrainian fighter told boxing authorities he would avoid a required championship defense against the British challenger

Boxing Organization's Position

The boxing organization confirmed that the champion decided to give up his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk still holds the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having beaten his British opponent at Wembley Stadium in mid-year to become a double undisputed champion

He initially achieved the all-belt title holder in May 2024 by defeating the British champion, before vacating another belt a month afterwards and opting out of facing the required opponent

"WBO president the WBO leader praised the Ukrainian fighter in a announcement"

"Officials expressed its sincere admiration and thanks to Oleksandr Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His record represents one of the most remarkable and significant of the modern boxing era"

The boxing body stated that its doors "will always remain open the champion and his camp"

Title Reign

Usyk won the WBO belt in recently by overcoming Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In July, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a obligatory championship fight against temporary title holder Parker, only for a champion's back problem to cause the delay of the contest

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, captured the temporary championship from his opponent with a huge upset in the championship rounds at the capital's venue in the previous month and was ordered to fight the champion before the end of September

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

"The UK has a recent title holder and a rising boxing talent"

"One of the most incredible stories I've seen in my 45 years as a boxing representative and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Major contests coming up for next year as he defends his WBO belt and establishes his place in the sport"

Wardley entered the sport aged 20, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had a limited professional record

What's Next

• The likely championship upgrade signals a major shift in the weight class
• The Ukrainian's move to relinquish the title opens new opportunities for additional challengers
• The boxing world now expects formal announcement from the WBO
• The British fighter's journey from late starter to title holder continues to motivate others