Fabio Wardley Set to Become WBO World Champion as Ukrainian Champion Usyk Gives Up Championship

England's boxing star is set to be promoted to world boxing champion after Oleksandr Usyk decided to relinquish his title

This situation arises after Usyk notified the WBO he would avoid a required championship defense against Wardley

Official Announcement

The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk continues to possess the multiple world titles, having beaten his British opponent at the famous London venue in July to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He originally secured the all-belt title holder in spring 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt a month afterwards and deciding not to fight the mandatory challenger

"Boxing official Gustavo Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a announcement"

"Officials expressed its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Oleksandr Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His record represents one of the most impressive and memorable of the modern boxing era"

The WBO added that its organization will always welcome Usyk and his team"

Belt Timeline

The champion captured the WBO belt in recently by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to defend it four times

In summer, the championship body required discussions for a obligatory championship fight against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a champion's back problem to cause the delay of the fight

British Fighter's Journey

But the 30-year-old British fighter, took the interim title from the New Zealander with a huge upset in the later stages at the famous London arena last month and was ordered to fight the champion before the September deadline

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

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

"One of the most incredible stories during my long career as a boxing representative and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Major contests coming up for next year as he defends his WBO belt and establishes his place in the boxing world"

The champion started fighting aged 20, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had just 21 professional fights

Coming Challenges

• The likely championship upgrade represents an important development in heavyweight boxing
• The Ukrainian's move to give up the championship creates fresh possibilities for other contenders
• The sport now awaits official confirmation from the boxing organization
• The champion's path from unconventional beginning to world champion continues to motivate others