Britain's Fabio Wardley Expected to Become World Heavyweight Champion as Oleksandr Usyk Gives Up Championship

Britain's Fabio Wardley will be upgraded to world boxing champion after Usyk opted to give up his title

This follows after Usyk told boxing authorities he would avoid a required championship defense against the British challenger

WBO Statement

The WBO stated that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his championship following careful thought"

Usyk still holds the three major championship belts, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in July to become a double undisputed champion

He first became the complete unified champion in May 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship a month afterwards and deciding not to fight the mandatory challenger

"WBO president Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a announcement"

"Officials expressed its deep appreciation and respect to Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His career stands as one of the most extraordinary and historic of the contemporary boxing period"

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

Belt Timeline

Usyk won the WBO belt in 2021 by beating the British star and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In summer, the boxing organization mandated talks for a required title defense against temporary title holder Parker, only for a champion's back problem to require rescheduling of the bout

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, 30, took the interim title from Parker with a huge upset in the 11th round at the famous London arena recently and was required to challenge Usyk before the month's conclusion

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the title change but his manager Warren believes it is a formality

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

"One of the most incredible stories during my long career as a promoter and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Some huge fights ahead for the coming period as he defends his WBO belt and builds his reputation in the boxing world"

Wardley entered the sport aged 20, developing through alternative boxing and has had a limited professional record

What's Next

• The likely championship upgrade marks a significant moment in the weight class
• The Ukrainian's move to give up the championship paves the way for other contenders
• The fighting community now awaits official confirmation from the WBO
• The champion's path from unconventional beginning to world champion continues to motivate others