Fabio Wardley Poised to Become World Heavyweight Champion as Ukrainian Champion Usyk Vacates Belt

Britain's Fabio Wardley will be upgraded to world boxing champion after the Ukrainian champion decided to relinquish his world title

This situation arises after Ukrainian fighter told boxing authorities he would not proceed with a obligatory title fight against his mandatory opponent

Official Announcement

The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his title after thoughtful consideration"

The Ukrainian maintains the three major championship belts, having defeated Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in the summer month to become a repeat unified title holder

He initially achieved the all-belt title holder in May 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship shortly after and opting out of facing the obligatory contender

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

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

"His achievements mark one of the most extraordinary and historic of the recent fighting history"

The organization continued that its doors "will always remain open the champion and his camp"

Championship History

Usyk won the WBO belt in two years ago by overcoming Joshua and went on to defend it four times

In summer, the championship body required discussions for a obligatory championship fight against New Zealand's Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to require rescheduling of the bout

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, took the interim title from the New Zealander with a huge upset in the 11th round at the famous London arena recently and was required to challenge Usyk before the end of September

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced the title change but his manager Warren believes it is a certainty

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

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

"Major contests coming up for 2026 as he protects his championship and builds his reputation in the fighting community"

Wardley only began boxing at twenty years old, developing through alternative boxing and has had only 21 pro bouts

Future Prospects

• Wardley's expected promotion represents an important development in the division
• The Ukrainian's move to relinquish the title paves the way for additional challengers
• The fighting community now expects formal announcement from the boxing organization
• Wardley's story from unconventional beginning to title holder continues to motivate others