Britain's Fabio Wardley Set to Become World Heavyweight Champion as Oleksandr Usyk Gives Up Championship

England's boxing star will be upgraded to WBO heavyweight champion after the Ukrainian champion decided to relinquish his world title

This development comes after Ukrainian fighter notified the WBO he would not proceed with a required championship defense against Wardley

Boxing Organization's Position

The WBO stated that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his title after thoughtful consideration"

The Ukrainian maintains the three major championship belts, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in mid-year to become a double undisputed champion

He initially achieved the four-belt undisputed champion in spring 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship five weeks later and choosing to avoid the required opponent

"Boxing official the WBO leader called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a statement"

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

"His achievements mark one of the most extraordinary and historic of the recent fighting history"

The boxing body stated that its organization will always welcome the fighter and his management"

Title Reign

Usyk secured the championship in two years ago by overcoming Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In mid-year, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a required title defense against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a champion's back problem to force the postponement of the contest

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, captured the temporary championship from the New Zealander with a major surprise in the championship rounds at London's O2 Arena recently and was ordered to fight the champion before the September deadline

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the British fighter's elevation but his manager Warren believes it is a formality

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

"A truly extraordinary path I've seen in my 45 years as a promoter and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Some huge fights ahead for next year as he defends his WBO belt and creates a true legacy in the sport"

Wardley only began boxing at twenty years old, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had only 21 pro bouts

Coming Challenges

• The likely championship upgrade signals a major shift in the division
• The Ukrainian's move to relinquish the title opens new opportunities for more fighters
• The boxing world now expects formal announcement from the boxing organization
• The champion's path from unconventional beginning to world champion continues to inspire many