Fabio Wardley Set to Become World Boxing Champion as Ukrainian Champion Usyk Vacates Belt

England's Fabio Wardley is expected to be elevated to WBO heavyweight champion after Usyk chose to vacate his championship belt

This development comes after Usyk informed the World Boxing Organisation he would avoid a mandatory title defence against his mandatory opponent

Official Announcement

The boxing organization confirmed that the champion decided to give up his title after thoughtful consideration"

The Ukrainian maintains the three major championship belts, having beaten his British opponent at Wembley Stadium in the summer month to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He initially achieved the four-belt undisputed champion in May 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt a month afterwards and opting out of facing the obligatory contender

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

"The WBO extends its sincere admiration and thanks to the Ukrainian champion, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

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

The organization continued that its institution will continue to support the fighter and his management"

Title Reign

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

In mid-year, the boxing organization mandated talks for a required title defense against New Zealand's Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to require rescheduling of the fight

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, took the interim title from the New Zealander with a huge upset in the 11th round at the capital's venue in the previous month and was required to challenge Usyk before the September deadline

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced Wardley's promotion but his representative believes it is a formality

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

"One of the most incredible stories throughout my decades as a sports manager and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Major contests coming up for next year as he maintains his title and builds his reputation in the boxing world"

Wardley only began boxing at twenty years old, developing through alternative boxing and has had just 21 professional fights

Coming Challenges

• The likely championship upgrade signals a major shift in the division
• The Ukrainian's move to relinquish the title opens new opportunities for other contenders
• The sport now expects formal announcement from the championship body
• The champion's path from unconventional beginning to championship status continues to capture attention