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

England's heavyweight contender is expected to be elevated to WBO heavyweight champion after the Ukrainian champion opted to give up his title

This development comes after Ukrainian fighter notified the WBO he would avoid a mandatory title defence against his mandatory opponent

Official Announcement

The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk chose to vacate his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk still holds the multiple world titles, having beaten his British opponent at the famous London venue in mid-year to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He first became the complete unified champion in May 2024 by defeating the British champion, before giving up the IBF title shortly after and opting out of facing the mandatory challenger

"Organization head Gustavo Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a announcement"

"Officials expressed its sincere admiration and thanks to the Ukrainian champion, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His achievements mark one of the most extraordinary and historic of the modern boxing era"

The boxing body stated that its institution will continue to support the champion and his camp"

Belt Timeline

Usyk won the world title in 2021 by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In mid-year, the championship body required discussions for a obligatory championship fight against New Zealand's Parker, only for a champion's back problem to force the postponement of the bout

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, captured the temporary championship from Parker with a huge upset in the later stages at the capital's venue in the previous month and was mandated to face Usyk before the end of September

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

"The UK has a fresh boxing champion and a new star of the sport"

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

"Significant bouts in the future for 2026 as he protects his championship and builds his reputation in the sport"

Wardley entered the sport relatively late, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had a limited professional record

Future Prospects

• The anticipated title change signals a major shift in the weight class
• The Ukrainian's move to vacate the belt paves the way for other contenders
• The fighting community now anticipates verification from the championship body
• The champion's path from unconventional beginning to world champion continues to motivate others