🔗 Share this article

England's Fabio Wardley is expected to be elevated to WBO heavyweight champion after the Ukrainian champion opted to give up his title

This follows after Usyk told boxing authorities he would not proceed with 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 multiple world titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in July to become a repeat unified title holder

He originally secured the complete unified champion in spring 2024 by defeating the British champion, before giving up the IBF title shortly after and choosing to avoid the mandatory challenger

"WBO president Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a official release"

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

"His achievements mark one of the most remarkable and significant of the contemporary boxing period"

The organization continued that its institution will continue to support Usyk and his team"

Championship History

Usyk won 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 mandatory defence against New Zealand's Parker, only for a champion's back problem to require rescheduling of the contest

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, 30, won the provisional belt from his opponent with a major surprise in the later stages at London's O2 Arena last month and was ordered to fight the champion before the month's conclusion

The championship body still needs to verify the British fighter's elevation but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a certainty

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

"A truly extraordinary path throughout my decades as a promoter and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Major contests coming up for 2026 as he defends his WBO belt and builds his reputation in the fighting community"

Wardley only began boxing at twenty years old, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had a limited professional record

Coming Challenges

• The anticipated title change signals a major shift in heavyweight boxing
• The champion's choice to give up the championship paves the way for other contenders
• The sport now anticipates verification from the championship body
• Wardley's story from unconventional beginning to world champion continues to inspire many