Fabio Wardley Set to Become WBO World Champion as Usyk Gives Up Championship
The UK's boxing star will be upgraded to WBO heavyweight champion after Oleksandr Usyk opted to give up his championship belt
This situation arises after Usyk informed the World Boxing Organisation he would avoid a required championship defense against the British challenger
WBO Statement
The championship body announced that the champion decided to give up his belt after deep reflection"
Usyk continues to possess the multiple world titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in July to become a repeat unified title holder
He originally secured the complete unified champion in spring 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship shortly after and deciding not to fight the mandatory challenger
"WBO president the WBO leader described Usyk as exceptional in a announcement"
"The WBO extends its deep appreciation and respect to the Ukrainian champion, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"
"His achievements mark one of the most impressive and memorable of the contemporary boxing period"
The WBO added that its organization will always welcome the fighter and his management"
Title Reign
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 back injury sustained by Usyk to require rescheduling of the contest
New Champion's Path
But Wardley, 30, won the provisional belt from Parker with a significant shock in the championship rounds at the capital's venue recently and was mandated to face Usyk before the September deadline
The championship body still needs to verify the British fighter's elevation but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a done deal
"England has a new heavyweight world champion and a new star of the sport"
"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 defends his WBO belt and establishes his place in the boxing world"
Wardley entered the sport at twenty years old, developing through alternative boxing and has had just 21 professional fights
Coming Challenges
- The anticipated title change marks a significant moment in the weight class
- The champion's choice to relinquish the title opens new opportunities for additional challengers
- The sport now awaits official confirmation from the championship body
- The champion's path from late starter to world champion continues to motivate others
