Ipswich boxer Fabio Wardley Set to Become WBO World Champion as Ukrainian Champion Usyk Gives Up Championship

Britain's Fabio Wardley will be upgraded to heavyweight title holder after Usyk opted to give up his world title

This development comes after Ukrainian fighter notified the WBO he would avoid a mandatory title defence against Wardley

Official Announcement

The WBO stated that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk still holds the multiple world titles, having beaten his British opponent at Wembley Stadium in mid-year to become a repeat unified title holder

He originally secured the complete unified champion in last year by overcoming Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt five weeks later and opting out of facing the obligatory contender

"WBO president the WBO leader described Usyk as exceptional in a official release"

"Officials expressed its deep appreciation and respect to Oleksandr Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His achievements mark one of the most extraordinary and historic of the recent fighting history"

The organization continued that its doors "will always remain open the fighter and his management"

Belt Timeline

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

In summer, the boxing organization mandated talks for a mandatory defence against New Zealand's Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to cause the delay of the fight

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, took the interim title from Parker with a huge upset in the later stages at the famous London arena in the previous 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 representative believes it is a done deal

"The UK has a recent title holder and a rising boxing talent"

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

"Significant bouts in the future for 2026 as he maintains his title and establishes his place in the boxing world"

Wardley only began boxing relatively late, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had only 21 pro bouts

What's Next

• The likely championship upgrade marks a significant moment in the division
• Usyk's decision to give up the championship paves the way for additional challengers
• The boxing world now anticipates verification from the championship body
• The British fighter's journey from alternative background to world champion continues to inspire many