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

Britain's heavyweight contender will be upgraded to WBO heavyweight champion after Usyk decided to relinquish his world title

This situation arises after Usyk told boxing authorities he would not engage in a required championship defense against Wardley

Boxing Organization's Position

The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his championship following careful thought"

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 double undisputed champion

He first became the all-belt title holder in May 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt five weeks later and choosing to avoid the obligatory contender

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

"The organization offers its deep appreciation and respect to Oleksandr Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His achievements mark one of the most extraordinary and historic of the contemporary boxing period"

The organization continued that its organization will always welcome the champion and his camp"

Title Reign

The champion captured the WBO belt in 2021 by overcoming Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In summer, the boxing organization mandated talks for a obligatory championship fight against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to cause the delay of the fight

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, 30, took the interim title from the New Zealander with a significant shock in the later stages at the famous London arena recently and was mandated to face Usyk before the September deadline

The championship body still needs to verify the British fighter's elevation but his representative believes it is a done deal

"Britain has a recent title holder and a emerging fighting personality"

"One of the most incredible stories during my long career as a boxing representative and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Significant bouts in the future for next year as he maintains his title and creates a true legacy in the boxing world"

Wardley only began boxing relatively late, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had just 21 professional fights

Future Prospects

• The anticipated title change marks a significant moment in the weight class
• The Ukrainian's move to give up the championship opens new opportunities for other contenders
• The sport now expects formal announcement from the boxing organization
• The British fighter's journey from late starter to world champion continues to motivate others