🔗 Share this article

Britain's Fabio Wardley is expected to be elevated to heavyweight title holder after Usyk chose to vacate his championship belt

This follows after Usyk notified the WBO he would not proceed with a required championship defense against his mandatory opponent

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 three major championship belts, having beaten his British opponent at the famous London venue in the summer month to become a repeat unified title holder

He initially achieved the four-belt undisputed champion in spring 2024 by defeating the British champion, before giving up the IBF title five weeks later and deciding not to fight the required opponent

"Boxing official the WBO leader described Usyk as exceptional in a official release"

"The organization offers its deep appreciation and respect to Oleksandr Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His career stands as one of the most impressive and memorable of the recent fighting history"

The organization continued that its organization will always welcome the fighter and his management"

Title Reign

Usyk won the championship in two years ago by overcoming Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In mid-year, the boxing organization mandated talks for a obligatory championship fight against temporary title holder Parker, only for a champion's back problem to require rescheduling of the contest

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, took the interim title from Parker with a significant shock in the championship rounds at London's O2 Arena last month and was ordered to fight the champion before the month's conclusion

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the British fighter's elevation but his representative believes it is a certainty

"Britain has a new heavyweight world champion and a new star of the sport"

"A truly extraordinary path throughout my decades as a sports manager 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 only began boxing relatively late, developing through alternative boxing and has had only 21 pro bouts

What's Next

• The likely championship upgrade signals a major shift in the weight class
• Usyk's decision to relinquish the title creates fresh possibilities for other contenders
• The sport now anticipates verification from the championship body
• Wardley's story from late starter to championship status continues to inspire many