🔗 Share this article

The UK's heavyweight contender is set to be promoted to world boxing champion after the Ukrainian champion chose to vacate his championship belt

This situation arises after Usyk notified the WBO he would not engage in a required championship defense against Wardley

Boxing Organization's Position

The championship body announced that Usyk chose to vacate his championship following careful thought"

Usyk still holds the multiple world titles, having beaten his British opponent at the famous London venue in July to become a repeat unified title holder

He first became the complete unified champion in last year by defeating the British champion, before relinquishing one championship five weeks later and choosing to avoid the obligatory contender

"WBO president the WBO leader praised the Ukrainian fighter in a announcement"

"Officials expressed its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His achievements mark one of the most impressive and memorable of the recent fighting history"

The WBO added that its institution will continue to support the champion and his camp"

Title Reign

Usyk won the championship in 2021 by beating the British star and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In summer, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a mandatory defence against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a champion's back problem to force the postponement of the fight

British Fighter's Journey

But the 30-year-old British fighter, won the provisional belt from the New Zealander with a major surprise in the later stages at the capital's venue in the previous month and was ordered to fight the champion before the end of September

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the title change but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a certainty

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

"One of the most incredible stories I've seen in my 45 years as a sports manager and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

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

Wardley only began boxing at twenty years old, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had only 21 pro bouts

Future Prospects

• Wardley's expected promotion marks a significant moment in heavyweight boxing
• The Ukrainian's move to relinquish the title paves the way for other contenders
• The sport now expects formal announcement from the WBO
• The champion's path from alternative background to title holder continues to capture attention