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

England's boxing star is set to be promoted to heavyweight title holder after Usyk chose to vacate his title

This development comes after Ukrainian fighter notified the WBO he would not proceed with a mandatory title defence against Wardley

WBO Statement

The boxing organization confirmed that the champion decided to give up his belt after deep reflection"

The Ukrainian maintains the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in the summer month to become a double undisputed champion

He originally secured the four-belt undisputed champion in spring 2024 by defeating the British champion, before relinquishing one championship a month afterwards and deciding not to fight the required opponent

"Organization head the WBO leader praised the Ukrainian fighter in a announcement"

"Officials expressed its deep appreciation and respect to Oleksandr Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His record represents one of the most remarkable and significant of the recent fighting history"

The organization continued that its doors "will always remain open Usyk and his team"

Title Reign

Usyk secured 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 back injury sustained by Usyk to require rescheduling of the contest

Wardley's Rise

But the 30-year-old British fighter, took the interim title from the New Zealander with a huge upset in the championship rounds at the capital's venue in the previous month and was ordered to fight the champion before the end of September

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the title change but his representative believes it is a formality

"England has a new heavyweight world champion and a emerging fighting personality"

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

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

Wardley only began boxing at twenty years old, developing through alternative boxing and has had only 21 pro bouts

Coming Challenges

• Wardley's expected promotion marks a significant moment in heavyweight boxing
• The Ukrainian's move to relinquish the title paves the way for additional challengers
• The fighting community now awaits official confirmation from the championship body
• The champion's path from late starter to title holder continues to motivate others