Fabio Wardley Expected to Become World Boxing Champion as Ukrainian Champion Usyk Gives Up Championship

England's heavyweight contender is expected to be elevated to heavyweight title holder after the Ukrainian champion chose to vacate his world title

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

WBO Statement

The championship body announced that the champion decided to give up his championship following careful thought"

Usyk continues to possess 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 May 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship shortly after and deciding not to fight the obligatory contender

"Boxing official Gustavo Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a official release"

"The organization offers its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to the Ukrainian champion, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

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

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

Title Reign

The champion captured the WBO belt in 2021 by beating the British star and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In July, the championship body required discussions for a obligatory championship fight against temporary title holder Parker, only for a champion's back problem to require rescheduling of the contest

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, took the interim title from the New Zealander with a huge upset in the later stages at the capital's venue recently and was ordered to fight the champion before the month's conclusion

The championship body still needs to verify Wardley's promotion but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a done deal

"The UK has a fresh boxing champion and a emerging fighting personality"

"One of the most incredible stories throughout my decades as a sports manager and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Significant bouts in the future for 2026 as he defends his WBO belt and builds his reputation in the boxing world"

Wardley only began boxing at twenty years old, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had only 21 pro bouts

Future Prospects

• The anticipated title change marks a significant moment in heavyweight boxing
• The Ukrainian's move to vacate the belt creates fresh possibilities for other contenders
• The fighting community now expects formal announcement from the championship body
• The champion's path from late starter to championship status continues to inspire many