Britain's Fabio Wardley Set to Become World Boxing Champion as Usyk Gives Up Championship

England's boxing star will be upgraded to world boxing champion after Usyk decided to relinquish his championship belt

This follows after the champion informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not proceed with a mandatory title defence against Wardley

WBO Statement

The WBO stated that the champion decided to give up his championship following careful thought"

The Ukrainian maintains the three major championship belts, having overcome Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in the summer month to become a double undisputed champion

He originally secured the complete unified champion in May 2024 by defeating the British champion, before vacating another belt five weeks later and choosing to avoid the obligatory contender

"Boxing official the WBO leader called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a announcement"

"Officials expressed its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Oleksandr Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His record represents one of the most impressive and memorable of the contemporary boxing period"

The WBO added that its doors "will always remain open the champion and his camp"

Belt Timeline

Usyk won the world title in two years ago by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

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

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, won the provisional belt from his opponent with a huge upset in the later stages at London's O2 Arena in the previous month and was mandated to face Usyk before the end of September

The championship body still needs to verify the title change but his representative believes it is a certainty

"The UK has a fresh boxing champion and a rising boxing talent"

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

"Major contests coming up for next year as he defends his WBO belt and creates a true legacy in the sport"

Wardley only began boxing aged 20, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had just 21 professional fights

What's Next

• Wardley's expected promotion represents an important development in heavyweight boxing
• The champion's choice to give up the championship creates fresh possibilities for more fighters
• The sport now anticipates verification from the WBO
• Wardley's story from unconventional beginning to title holder continues to capture attention