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

The UK's Fabio Wardley is set to be promoted to WBO heavyweight champion after the Ukrainian champion opted to give up his world title

This follows after Ukrainian fighter told boxing authorities he would avoid a mandatory title defence against the British challenger

Boxing Organization's Position

The WBO stated that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his championship following careful thought"

The Ukrainian maintains the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having beaten his British opponent at the national stadium in July to become a double undisputed champion

He first became the complete unified champion in last year by defeating the British champion, before relinquishing one championship shortly after and choosing to avoid the mandatory challenger

"Organization head Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a statement"

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

"His record represents one of the most remarkable and significant of the recent fighting history"

The organization continued that its doors "will always remain open the fighter and his management"

Title Reign

Usyk secured the world title in 2021 by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to defend it four times

In mid-year, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a mandatory defence against New Zealand's Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to force the postponement of the bout

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, 30, took the interim title from the New Zealander with a significant shock in the championship rounds at London's O2 Arena in the previous month and was required to challenge Usyk before the month's conclusion

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

"Britain has a fresh boxing champion and a rising boxing talent"

"A truly extraordinary path throughout my decades as a promoter and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Some huge fights ahead for the coming period as he defends his WBO belt and establishes his place in the boxing world"

The champion started fighting aged 20, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had only 21 pro bouts

Future Prospects

• The anticipated title change signals a major shift in the division
• Usyk's decision to vacate the belt creates fresh possibilities for additional challengers
• The boxing world now anticipates verification from the championship body
• The British fighter's journey from unconventional beginning to world champion continues to capture attention