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

England's boxing star is expected to be elevated to heavyweight title holder after Usyk opted to give up his championship belt

This development comes after Ukrainian fighter notified the WBO he would avoid a required championship defense against the British challenger

Official Announcement

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

The Ukrainian maintains the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in mid-year to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He originally secured the complete unified champion in spring 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt five weeks later and choosing to avoid the required opponent

"Organization head Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a official release"

"The WBO extends its sincere admiration and thanks to Oleksandr Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His career stands as one of the most remarkable and significant of the modern boxing era"

The organization continued that its organization will always welcome the champion and his camp"

Belt Timeline

Usyk won the championship in two years ago by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In July, the boxing organization mandated talks for a required title defense against temporary title holder Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to cause the delay of the contest

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, captured the temporary championship from the New Zealander with a major surprise 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 WBO is yet to officially confirm Wardley's promotion but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a done deal

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

"One of the most incredible stories throughout my decades as a boxing representative and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Some huge fights ahead for 2026 as he protects his championship and builds his reputation in the fighting community"

Wardley entered the sport aged 20, developing through alternative boxing and has had just 21 professional fights

Coming Challenges

• Wardley's expected promotion signals a major shift in the weight class
• The Ukrainian's move to vacate the belt opens new opportunities for additional challengers
• The boxing world now anticipates verification from the boxing organization
• The champion's path from alternative background to title holder continues to motivate others