Ipswich boxer Fabio Wardley Expected to Become World Boxing Champion as Usyk Vacates Belt

Britain's heavyweight contender is expected to be elevated to heavyweight title holder after the Ukrainian champion opted to give up his championship belt

This situation arises after the champion informed the World Boxing Organisation he would avoid a obligatory title fight against Wardley

Official Announcement

The WBO stated that Usyk chose to vacate his championship following careful thought"

The Ukrainian maintains the three major championship belts, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in July to become a repeat unified title holder

He originally secured the four-belt undisputed champion in spring 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt five weeks later and deciding not to fight the mandatory challenger

"Boxing official Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a official release"

"The WBO extends its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to the Ukrainian champion, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His achievements mark one of the most extraordinary and historic of the contemporary boxing period"

The boxing body stated that its doors "will always remain open Usyk and his team"

Championship History

The champion captured the WBO belt in recently by beating the British star and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In mid-year, the boxing organization mandated talks for a mandatory defence against New Zealand's Parker, only for a champion's back problem to cause the delay of the bout

British Fighter's Journey

But the 30-year-old British fighter, captured the temporary championship from the New Zealander with a major surprise in the championship rounds at the famous London arena last month and was mandated to face Usyk before the month's conclusion

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced the title change but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a certainty

"England has a fresh boxing champion and a emerging fighting personality"

"Among the most remarkable journeys during my long career as a sports manager and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Major contests coming up for next year as he maintains his title and establishes his place in the fighting community"

Wardley entered the sport aged 20, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had just 21 professional fights

What's Next

• Wardley's expected promotion signals a major shift in heavyweight boxing
• The Ukrainian's move to relinquish the title opens new opportunities for additional challengers
• The fighting community now expects formal announcement from the WBO
• Wardley's story from unconventional beginning to world champion continues to motivate others