🔗 Share this article

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

This follows after Ukrainian fighter informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not engage in a required championship defense against Wardley

Boxing Organization's Position

The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk chose to vacate his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk still holds the multiple world titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in July to become a repeat unified title holder

He initially achieved the all-belt title holder in spring 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt five weeks later and choosing to avoid the obligatory contender

"Organization head the WBO leader praised the Ukrainian fighter in a official release"

"The organization offers its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His record represents one of the most extraordinary and historic of the modern boxing era"

The boxing body stated that its organization will always welcome the champion and his camp"

Championship History

Usyk won the WBO belt in two years ago by overcoming Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In mid-year, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a required title defense against New Zealand's Parker, only for a champion's back problem to require rescheduling of the fight

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, won the provisional belt from the New Zealander with a huge upset in the later stages at the capital's venue last month and was mandated to face Usyk before the end of September

The championship body still needs to verify the British fighter's elevation but his representative believes it is a done deal

"England has a recent title holder and a new star of the sport"

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

"Some huge fights ahead for the coming period as he protects his championship and establishes his place in the fighting community"

Wardley entered the sport aged 20, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had a limited professional record

What's Next

• The anticipated title change marks a significant moment in the division
• Usyk's decision to relinquish the title paves the way for other contenders
• The fighting community now awaits official confirmation from the boxing organization
• The British fighter's journey from unconventional beginning to title holder continues to capture attention