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

England's boxing star will be upgraded to heavyweight title holder after Oleksandr Usyk opted to give up his title

This development comes after Usyk notified the WBO he would not engage in a required championship defense against his mandatory opponent

Boxing Organization's Position

The WBO stated that Usyk had "elected to relinquish 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 double undisputed champion

He initially achieved the complete unified champion in May 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt a month afterwards and opting out of facing the required opponent

"Organization head Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a official release"

"Officials expressed its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to the Ukrainian champion, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His achievements mark one of the most extraordinary and historic of the recent fighting history"

The boxing body stated that its doors "will always remain open the fighter and his management"

Title Reign

Usyk secured the WBO belt in recently by beating the British star and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In July, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a required title defense 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 Parker with a huge upset in the 11th round at the famous London arena last month and was mandated to face Usyk before the end of September

The championship body still needs to verify Wardley's promotion but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a formality

"England has a fresh boxing champion and a rising boxing talent"

"A truly extraordinary path during my long career as a boxing representative and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Major contests coming up for 2026 as he maintains his title and establishes his place in the boxing world"

The champion started fighting relatively late, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had just 21 professional fights

What's Next

• The anticipated title change marks a significant moment in the division
• Usyk's decision to give up the championship paves the way for more fighters
• The sport now expects formal announcement from the WBO
• The champion's path from late starter to title holder continues to inspire many