Ipswich boxer Fabio Wardley Expected to Become WBO World Champion as Usyk Relinquishes Title

The UK's boxing star is set to be promoted to WBO heavyweight champion after Usyk opted to give up his title

This development comes after the champion notified the WBO he would not proceed with a mandatory title defence against the British challenger

Boxing Organization's Position

The WBO stated that Usyk chose to vacate his title after thoughtful consideration"

The Ukrainian maintains the three major championship belts, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in July to become a double undisputed champion

He originally secured the complete unified champion in May 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title a month afterwards and deciding not to fight the obligatory contender

"Organization head the WBO leader praised the Ukrainian fighter in a official release"

"The organization offers its deep appreciation and respect to Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His record represents 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 secured the championship in 2021 by beating the British star and went on to defend it four times

In July, the championship body required discussions for a mandatory defence against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to cause the delay of the contest

New Champion's Path

But the 30-year-old British fighter, captured the temporary championship from the New Zealander with a major surprise in the later stages at the famous London arena recently and was ordered to fight the champion before the September deadline

The WBO is yet to officially confirm Wardley's promotion but his representative believes it is a certainty

"The UK has a new heavyweight world 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"

"Some huge fights ahead for the coming period as he maintains his title and creates a true legacy in the fighting community"

The champion started fighting aged 20, developing through alternative boxing and has had just 21 professional fights

Future Prospects

• The anticipated title change signals a major shift in the weight class
• The Ukrainian's move to relinquish the title creates fresh possibilities for other contenders
• The boxing world now awaits official confirmation from the WBO
• Wardley's story from alternative background to title holder continues to motivate others