🔗 Share this article

England's heavyweight contender is expected to be elevated to heavyweight title holder after Oleksandr Usyk chose to vacate his world title

This development comes after Ukrainian fighter informed the World Boxing Organisation he would avoid a mandatory title defence against the British challenger

WBO Statement

The championship body announced that the champion decided to give up 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 double undisputed champion

He originally secured the four-belt undisputed champion in spring 2024 by defeating the British champion, before vacating another belt shortly after and deciding not to fight the obligatory contender

"WBO president the WBO leader called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a announcement"

"The organization offers its sincere admiration and thanks to Oleksandr Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His career stands as one of the most remarkable and significant of the modern boxing era"

The boxing body stated that its institution will continue to support Usyk and his team"

Belt Timeline

Usyk secured the WBO belt in 2021 by overcoming Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In summer, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a required title defense against New Zealand's Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to force the postponement of the contest

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, 30, captured the temporary championship from the New Zealander with a huge upset in the later stages at the capital's venue recently and was required to challenge Usyk before the end of September

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

"The UK has a recent title holder and a rising boxing talent"

"A truly extraordinary path during my long career as a promoter and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Significant bouts in the future for the coming period as he defends his WBO belt and establishes his place in the sport"

Wardley entered the sport at twenty years old, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had a limited professional record

What's Next

• The anticipated title change marks a significant moment in heavyweight boxing
• Usyk's decision to give up the championship opens new opportunities for other contenders
• The sport now expects formal announcement from the championship body
• The British fighter's journey from unconventional beginning to championship status continues to capture attention