Britain's Fabio Wardley Expected to Become WBO World Champion as Ukrainian Champion Usyk Vacates Belt

Britain's heavyweight contender is expected to be elevated to WBO heavyweight champion after Oleksandr Usyk decided to relinquish his world title

This situation arises after Usyk informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not engage in a obligatory title fight against Wardley

WBO Statement

The championship body announced that Usyk chose to vacate his belt after deep reflection"

The Ukrainian maintains the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in the summer month to become a repeat unified title holder

He first became the four-belt undisputed champion in spring 2024 by defeating the British champion, before vacating another belt five weeks later and choosing to avoid the mandatory challenger

"Organization head Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a official release"

"Officials expressed its deep appreciation and respect to the Ukrainian champion, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

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

The WBO added that its doors "will always remain open the fighter and his management"

Belt Timeline

Usyk won the world title in recently by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In mid-year, the championship body required discussions for a required title defense against temporary title holder Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to force the postponement of the fight

New Champion's Path

But the 30-year-old British fighter, won the provisional belt from the New Zealander with a significant shock in the 11th round at the famous London arena in the previous month and was mandated to face Usyk before the month's conclusion

The championship body still needs to verify the title change but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a certainty

"The UK has a new heavyweight world champion and a rising boxing talent"

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

"Significant bouts in the future for next year as he protects his championship and builds his reputation in the boxing world"

Wardley only began boxing relatively late, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had just 21 professional fights

Future Prospects

• The anticipated title change marks a significant moment in the division
• The champion's choice to relinquish the title creates fresh possibilities for additional challengers
• The boxing world now expects formal announcement from the championship body
• The British fighter's journey from unconventional beginning to world champion continues to motivate others