Britain's Fabio Wardley Expected to Become World Heavyweight Champion as Ukrainian Champion Usyk Relinquishes Title

England's boxing star is expected to be elevated to world boxing champion after Usyk opted to give up his championship belt

This development comes after Ukrainian fighter informed the World Boxing Organisation he would avoid a required championship defense against his mandatory opponent

Official Announcement

The championship body announced that Usyk chose to vacate his title after thoughtful consideration"

Usyk continues to possess the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having beaten his British opponent at Wembley Stadium in mid-year to become a repeat unified title holder

He originally secured the all-belt title holder in May 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt a month afterwards and choosing to avoid the mandatory challenger

"Organization head the WBO leader called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a official release"

"Officials expressed its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to the Ukrainian champion, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His career stands as one of the most extraordinary and historic of the contemporary boxing period"

The organization continued that its institution will continue to support Usyk and his team"

Title Reign

Usyk secured the world title in two years ago by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In July, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a mandatory defence against New Zealand's Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to force the postponement of the bout

Wardley's Rise

But the 30-year-old British fighter, won the provisional belt from the New Zealander with a significant shock in the 11th round at the capital's venue in the previous month and was mandated to face Usyk before the month's conclusion

The championship body still needs to verify the British fighter's elevation but his manager Warren believes it is a certainty

"Britain has a new heavyweight world champion and a rising boxing talent"

"One of the most incredible stories I've seen in my 45 years as a sports manager and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Significant bouts in the future for the coming period as he maintains his title and creates a true legacy in the sport"

The champion started fighting aged 20, developing through alternative boxing and has had a limited professional record

Future Prospects

• Wardley's expected promotion represents an important development in the weight class
• The champion's choice to vacate the belt opens new opportunities for more fighters
• The fighting community now expects formal announcement from the WBO
• The British fighter's journey from late starter to title holder continues to motivate others