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

England's boxing star is expected to be elevated to WBO heavyweight champion after the Ukrainian champion opted to give up his championship belt

This follows after Usyk told boxing authorities he would not engage in a obligatory title fight against Wardley

Boxing Organization's Position

The championship body announced that the champion decided to give up his title after thoughtful consideration"

Usyk still holds the multiple world titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in July to become a repeat unified title holder

He initially achieved the complete unified champion in spring 2024 by defeating the British champion, before vacating another belt a month afterwards and deciding not to fight the required opponent

"WBO president Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a official release"

"Officials expressed its sincere admiration and thanks to Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His achievements mark one of the most remarkable and significant of the modern boxing era"

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

Championship History

Usyk won the WBO belt in 2021 by beating the British star and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In mid-year, the championship body required discussions for a required title defense against New Zealand's Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to require rescheduling of the fight

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, took the interim title from Parker with a significant shock in the later stages at the famous London arena last month and was ordered to fight the champion before the end of September

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced the British fighter's elevation but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a formality

"Britain has a recent title holder 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 more pleased for Wardley"

"Significant bouts in the future for the coming period as he protects his championship and builds his reputation in the boxing world"

The champion started fighting relatively late, developing through alternative boxing and has had only 21 pro bouts

Coming Challenges

• Wardley's expected promotion represents an important development in the weight class
• The Ukrainian's move to relinquish the title paves the way for additional challengers
• The boxing world now expects formal announcement from the championship body
• Wardley's story from late starter to world champion continues to inspire many