Britain's Fabio Wardley Set to Become World Boxing Champion as Usyk Relinquishes Title

England's heavyweight contender will be upgraded to WBO heavyweight champion after Oleksandr Usyk opted to give up his championship belt

This follows after the champion told boxing authorities he would not engage in a required championship defense against his mandatory opponent

Boxing Organization's Position

The championship body announced that Usyk chose to vacate his title after thoughtful consideration"

The Ukrainian maintains the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in the summer month to become a repeat unified title holder

He first became the all-belt title holder in spring 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt shortly after and opting out of facing the mandatory challenger

"WBO president Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a announcement"

"The organization offers its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to the Ukrainian champion, 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 doors "will always remain open Usyk and his team"

Title Reign

Usyk won the WBO belt in two years ago by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In summer, the championship body required discussions for a required title defense against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a champion's back problem to cause the delay of the bout

British Fighter's Journey

But the 30-year-old British fighter, won the provisional belt from the New Zealander with a major surprise in the 11th round at the famous London arena last month and was required to challenge Usyk before the end of September

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the title change but his manager Warren believes it is a certainty

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

"One of the most incredible stories throughout my decades as a sports manager and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Some huge fights ahead for the coming period as he protects his championship and creates a true legacy in the fighting community"

Wardley only began boxing relatively late, developing through alternative boxing and has had only 21 pro bouts

Future Prospects

• The anticipated title change marks a significant moment in the weight class
• Usyk's decision to vacate the belt paves the way for other contenders
• The fighting community now awaits official confirmation from the championship body
• The British fighter's journey from alternative background to world champion continues to capture attention