🔗 Share this article

Britain's Fabio Wardley is set to be promoted to world boxing champion after the Ukrainian champion opted to give up his championship belt

This situation arises after the champion notified the WBO he would not proceed with a required championship defense against the British challenger

Boxing Organization's Position

The championship body announced that the champion decided to give up his title after thoughtful consideration"

Usyk continues to possess the multiple world titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in the summer month to become a repeat unified title holder

He originally secured the complete unified champion in spring 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship shortly after and opting out of facing the obligatory contender

"Organization head the WBO leader described Usyk as exceptional in a statement"

"The WBO extends its deep appreciation and respect to Oleksandr Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His career stands as one of the most impressive and memorable of the contemporary boxing period"

The boxing body stated that its institution will continue to support the fighter and his management"

Belt Timeline

Usyk won the championship in 2021 by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In mid-year, the championship body required discussions for a mandatory defence against New Zealand's Parker, only for a champion's back problem to force the postponement of the bout

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, 30, won the provisional belt from the New Zealander with a significant shock in the 11th round at London's O2 Arena in the previous month and was mandated to face Usyk before the end of September

The WBO is yet to officially confirm Wardley's promotion but his representative believes it is a certainty

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

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

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

Wardley only began boxing at twenty years old, developing through alternative boxing and has had a limited professional record

Future Prospects

• The anticipated title change represents an important development in heavyweight boxing
• Usyk's decision to relinquish the title creates fresh possibilities for other contenders
• The boxing world now expects formal announcement from the championship body
• Wardley's story from unconventional beginning to title holder continues to inspire many