Britain's Fabio Wardley Poised to Become WBO World Champion as Usyk Gives Up Championship

Britain's heavyweight contender is expected to be elevated to world boxing champion after Oleksandr Usyk chose to vacate his championship belt

This development comes after Ukrainian fighter informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not proceed with a obligatory title fight against the British challenger

Official Announcement

The WBO stated that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his belt after deep reflection"

The Ukrainian maintains the three major championship belts, having defeated Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in July to become a repeat unified title holder

He originally secured the all-belt title holder in May 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title five weeks later and opting out of facing the mandatory challenger

"Boxing official Gustavo Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a official release"

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

"His achievements mark one of the most impressive and memorable of the modern boxing era"

The organization continued that its doors "will always remain open Usyk and his team"

Championship History

The champion captured the world title in 2021 by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In mid-year, the boxing organization mandated talks for a mandatory defence against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a champion's back problem to force the postponement of the bout

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, took the interim title from his opponent with a significant shock in the 11th round at the capital's venue recently and was required to challenge Usyk before the September deadline

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the British fighter's elevation but his manager Warren believes it is a done deal

"The UK has a fresh boxing champion and a rising boxing talent"

"One of the most incredible stories during my long career as a boxing representative and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Some huge fights ahead for 2026 as he maintains his title and builds his reputation in the fighting community"

Wardley entered the sport at twenty years old, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had only 21 pro bouts

What's Next

• The likely championship upgrade marks a significant moment in heavyweight boxing
• The Ukrainian's move to give up the championship opens new opportunities for more fighters
• The boxing world now awaits official confirmation from the WBO
• The British fighter's journey from unconventional beginning to championship status continues to inspire many