Fabio Wardley Expected to Become World Heavyweight Champion as Ukrainian Champion Usyk Relinquishes Title
England's Fabio Wardley is set to be promoted to heavyweight title holder after Usyk chose to vacate his title
This situation arises after the champion notified the WBO he would not engage in a mandatory title defence against the British challenger
Official Announcement
The boxing organization confirmed that the champion decided to give up his title after thoughtful consideration"
Usyk still holds the multiple world titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in the summer month to become a double undisputed champion
He initially achieved the all-belt title holder in May 2024 by defeating the British champion, before giving up the IBF title a month afterwards and deciding not to fight the mandatory challenger
"Organization head Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a official release"
"The organization offers its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Oleksandr Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"
"His record represents one of the most impressive and memorable of the recent fighting history"
The WBO added that its doors "will always remain open Usyk and his team"
Title Reign
The champion captured the championship in two years ago by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly
In July, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a required title defense against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to force the postponement of the contest
British Fighter's Journey
But the 30-year-old British fighter, won the provisional belt from Parker with a huge upset in the championship rounds at the famous London arena last month and was required to challenge Usyk before the September deadline
The championship body still needs to verify Wardley's promotion but his manager Warren believes it is a certainty
"England has a fresh boxing champion and a emerging fighting personality"
"A truly extraordinary path I've seen in my 45 years as a sports manager and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"
"Some huge fights ahead for 2026 as he defends his WBO belt and establishes his place in the fighting community"
Wardley entered the sport aged 20, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had only 21 pro bouts
Coming Challenges
- Wardley's expected promotion represents an important development in the division
- The Ukrainian's move to vacate the belt opens new opportunities for more fighters
- The boxing world now expects formal announcement from the boxing organization
- Wardley's story from alternative background to championship status continues to motivate others