Britain's Fabio Wardley Set to Become World Heavyweight Champion as Usyk Vacates Belt

The UK's Fabio Wardley is set to be promoted to heavyweight title holder after Usyk opted to give up his title

This development comes after Ukrainian fighter informed the World Boxing Organisation he would avoid a obligatory title fight against his mandatory opponent

Boxing Organization's Position

The WBO stated that the champion decided to give up his title after thoughtful consideration"

Usyk still holds the three major championship belts, having beaten his British opponent at the famous London venue in the summer month to become a repeat unified title holder

He first became the four-belt undisputed champion in last year by beating Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title shortly after and opting out of facing the required opponent

"WBO president Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a statement"

"The WBO extends its deep appreciation and respect to the Ukrainian champion, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His career stands as one of the most remarkable and significant of the contemporary boxing period"

The WBO added that its organization will always welcome the fighter and his management"

Title Reign

Usyk won the championship in 2021 by overcoming Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In July, the WBO had ordered negotiations 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 Wardley, 30, won the provisional belt from Parker with a major surprise in the later stages at the capital's venue last month and was mandated to face Usyk before the September deadline

The championship body still needs to verify the title change but his representative believes it is a done deal

"The UK has a fresh boxing champion and a emerging fighting personality"

"One of the most incredible stories during my long career as a promoter and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Major contests coming up for 2026 as he maintains his title and establishes his place in the boxing world"

Wardley only began boxing at twenty years old, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had only 21 pro bouts

What's Next

• Wardley's expected promotion represents an important development in heavyweight boxing
• The champion's choice to give up the championship opens new opportunities for more fighters
• The boxing world now expects formal announcement from the WBO
• The British fighter's journey from unconventional beginning to championship status continues to motivate others