Fabio Wardley Poised to Become WBO World Champion as Usyk Vacates Belt

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

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

Official Announcement

The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk chose to vacate his title after thoughtful consideration"

Usyk continues to possess the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having beaten his British opponent at the national stadium in July to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He originally secured the all-belt title holder in spring 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title shortly after and opting out of facing the obligatory contender

"WBO president Gustavo Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a official release"

"The WBO extends its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to the Ukrainian champion, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His record represents one of the most impressive and memorable of the modern boxing era"

The organization continued that its organization will always welcome Usyk and his team"

Title Reign

Usyk secured the WBO belt in recently by overcoming Joshua and went on to defend it four times

In mid-year, the boxing organization mandated talks for a mandatory defence against temporary title holder Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to force the postponement of the bout

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, captured the temporary championship from the New Zealander with a major surprise in the later stages at the famous London arena recently 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 manager Warren believes it is a certainty

"Britain has a fresh boxing champion and a emerging fighting personality"

"One of the most incredible stories during my long career as a sports manager and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

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

Wardley entered the sport aged 20, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had only 21 pro bouts

Coming Challenges

• The anticipated title change represents an important development in the division
• The champion's choice to relinquish the title paves the way for other contenders
• The fighting community now anticipates verification from the WBO
• Wardley's story from unconventional beginning to title holder continues to inspire many