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

England's heavyweight contender will be upgraded to world boxing champion after Oleksandr Usyk decided to relinquish his title

This development comes after the champion told boxing authorities he would not engage in a mandatory title defence against his mandatory opponent

Boxing Organization's Position

The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk chose to vacate his title after thoughtful consideration"

Usyk continues to possess the three major championship belts, having overcome Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in the summer month to become a double undisputed champion

He first became the complete unified champion in spring 2024 by defeating the British champion, before giving up the IBF title a month afterwards and choosing to avoid the required opponent

"Organization head Gustavo Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a announcement"

"The organization offers its deep appreciation and respect to the Ukrainian champion, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

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

The boxing body stated that its institution will continue to support the fighter and his management"

Belt Timeline

The champion captured the WBO belt in recently by overcoming Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In mid-year, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a required title defense against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to require rescheduling of the bout

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, 30, won the provisional belt from the New Zealander with a huge upset in the championship rounds 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 Wardley's promotion but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a done deal

"Britain has a fresh boxing champion and a emerging fighting personality"

"A truly extraordinary path I've seen in my 45 years as a promoter and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Significant bouts in the future for 2026 as he defends his WBO belt and establishes his place in the fighting community"

The champion started fighting at twenty years old, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had only 21 pro bouts

What's Next

• Wardley's expected promotion represents an important development in heavyweight boxing
• The champion's choice to give up the championship opens new opportunities for other contenders
• The boxing world now expects formal announcement from the boxing organization
• The champion's path from alternative background to world champion continues to inspire many