Ipswich boxer Fabio Wardley Expected to Become World Boxing Champion as Oleksandr Usyk Gives Up Championship

The UK's Fabio Wardley will be upgraded to WBO heavyweight champion after Usyk opted to give up his championship belt

This development comes after Usyk informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not engage in a mandatory title defence against Wardley

Boxing Organization's Position

The WBO stated that Usyk chose to vacate his belt after deep reflection"

The Ukrainian maintains the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in July to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He originally secured the all-belt title holder in last year by defeating the British champion, before relinquishing one championship a month afterwards and deciding not to fight the mandatory challenger

"WBO president Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a statement"

"The organization offers its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His career stands as one of the most impressive and memorable of the modern boxing era"

The WBO added that its organization will always welcome Usyk and his team"

Championship History

Usyk secured the WBO belt in 2021 by beating the British star and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In mid-year, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a obligatory championship fight against temporary title holder Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to require rescheduling of the bout

British Fighter's Journey

But the 30-year-old British fighter, captured the temporary championship from the New Zealander with a significant shock in the later stages at London's O2 Arena last month and was ordered to fight the champion before the end of September

The championship body still needs to verify the title change 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 throughout my decades as a sports manager and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Some huge fights ahead for 2026 as he maintains his title and creates a true legacy in the fighting community"

Wardley only began boxing at twenty years old, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had only 21 pro bouts

Future Prospects

• The likely championship upgrade marks a significant moment in the division
• Usyk's decision to give up the championship creates fresh possibilities for more fighters
• The sport now expects formal announcement from the championship body
• The champion's path from alternative background to world champion continues to capture attention