🔗 Share this article

England's Fabio Wardley is set to be promoted to world boxing champion after Usyk opted to give up his title

This development comes after Ukrainian fighter notified the WBO he would not proceed with a mandatory title defence against the British challenger

WBO Statement

The championship body announced that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his title after thoughtful consideration"

Usyk still holds the three major championship belts, having beaten his British opponent at Wembley Stadium in July to become a repeat unified title holder

He originally secured the all-belt title holder in spring 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship a month afterwards and choosing to avoid the mandatory challenger

"Boxing official Gustavo Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a statement"

"Officials expressed its deep appreciation and respect to Oleksandr Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His record represents one of the most extraordinary and historic of the recent fighting history"

The organization continued that its institution will continue to support the fighter and his management"

Title Reign

Usyk secured the world title in two years ago by overcoming Joshua and went on to defend it four times

In July, the championship body required discussions for a mandatory defence against temporary title holder Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to force the postponement of the fight

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, 30, won the provisional belt from his opponent with a major surprise in the 11th round at the famous London arena recently and was ordered to fight the champion before the month's conclusion

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the title change but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a formality

"The UK has a new heavyweight world champion and a emerging fighting personality"

"A truly extraordinary path throughout my decades as a boxing representative and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Significant bouts in the future for the coming period as he defends his WBO belt and creates a true legacy in the boxing world"

Wardley only began boxing at twenty years old, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had just 21 professional fights

What's Next

• Wardley's expected promotion signals a major shift in the division
• Usyk's decision to vacate the belt paves the way for additional challengers
• The fighting community now anticipates verification from the championship body
• Wardley's story from alternative background to championship status continues to inspire many