🔗 Share this article

Britain's Fabio Wardley is set to be promoted to heavyweight title holder after Oleksandr Usyk decided to relinquish his championship belt

This development comes after Ukrainian fighter informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not engage in a required championship defense against the British challenger

WBO Statement

The WBO stated that the champion decided to give up his title after thoughtful consideration"

Usyk still holds the three major championship belts, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in July to become a repeat unified title holder

He initially achieved the complete unified champion in last year by beating Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt five weeks later and deciding not to fight the mandatory challenger

"Boxing official Gustavo Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a announcement"

"Officials expressed its deep appreciation and respect to Oleksandr Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His achievements mark one of the most impressive and memorable of the modern boxing era"

The organization continued that its institution will continue to support the champion and his camp"

Title Reign

The champion captured the WBO belt in two years ago by overcoming Joshua and went on to defend it four times

In summer, the championship body required discussions for a obligatory championship fight against temporary title holder Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to cause the delay of the bout

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, won the provisional belt from the New Zealander with a major surprise in the championship rounds at London's O2 Arena last month and was required to challenge Usyk before the month's conclusion

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced Wardley's promotion but his representative believes it is a certainty

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

"Among the most remarkable journeys during my long career as a boxing representative and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"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 relatively late, developing through alternative boxing and has had a limited professional record

Future Prospects

• The anticipated title change represents an important development in heavyweight boxing
• The champion's choice to vacate the belt creates fresh possibilities for other contenders
• The sport now anticipates verification from the WBO
• The British fighter's journey from alternative background to world champion continues to inspire many