Britain's Fabio Wardley Expected to Become World Heavyweight Champion as Ukrainian Champion Usyk Relinquishes Title

The UK's Fabio Wardley will be upgraded to WBO heavyweight champion after the Ukrainian champion chose to vacate his world title

This follows after Ukrainian fighter told boxing authorities he would not engage in a obligatory title fight against his mandatory opponent

WBO Statement

The championship body announced that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk still holds the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having beaten his British opponent at the national stadium in mid-year to become a double undisputed champion

He first became the complete unified champion in spring 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt shortly after and opting out of facing the required opponent

"Boxing official the WBO leader called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a announcement"

"Officials expressed its sincere admiration and thanks to Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His achievements mark one of the most impressive and memorable of the modern boxing era"

The boxing body stated that its doors "will always remain open the fighter and his management"

Belt Timeline

The champion captured the world title in recently by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In July, the championship body required discussions for a mandatory defence against New Zealand's Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to cause the delay of the bout

British Fighter's Journey

But the 30-year-old British fighter, took the interim title from Parker with a significant shock in the later stages at London's O2 Arena in the previous month and was ordered to fight the champion before the end of September

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced Wardley's promotion but his manager Warren believes it is a done deal

"England has a recent title holder and a rising boxing talent"

"A truly extraordinary path throughout my decades as a promoter and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Some huge fights ahead for the coming period as he maintains his title and builds his reputation in the boxing world"

Wardley only began boxing relatively late, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had only 21 pro bouts

What's Next

• The anticipated title change represents an important development in the weight class
• The Ukrainian's move to vacate the belt creates fresh possibilities for additional challengers
• The fighting community now awaits official confirmation from the WBO
• The British fighter's journey from unconventional beginning to world champion continues to capture attention