🔗 Share this article

England's Fabio Wardley is expected to be elevated to world boxing champion after Oleksandr Usyk chose to vacate his world title

This development comes after the champion told boxing authorities he would not engage in a mandatory title defence against his mandatory opponent

Official Announcement

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

Usyk continues to possess the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in mid-year to become a repeat unified title holder

He first became the all-belt title holder in spring 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt five weeks later and choosing to avoid the mandatory challenger

"WBO president Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a statement"

"The organization offers its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Oleksandr Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His career stands as one of the most extraordinary and historic of the modern boxing era"

The boxing body stated that its institution will continue to support the fighter and his management"

Belt Timeline

Usyk won the championship in recently by overcoming Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In mid-year, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a required title defense against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to require rescheduling of the bout

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, 30, captured the temporary championship from his opponent with a significant shock in the later stages at London's O2 Arena recently and was mandated to face Usyk before the end of September

The championship body still needs to verify Wardley's promotion but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a formality

"England has a fresh boxing champion and a rising boxing talent"

"Among the most remarkable journeys during my long career as a sports manager and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Some huge fights ahead for 2026 as he defends his WBO belt and builds his reputation in the sport"

The champion started fighting relatively late, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had just 21 professional fights

What's Next

• The anticipated title change signals a major shift in the weight class
• The champion's choice to vacate the belt opens new opportunities 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