Ipswich boxer Fabio Wardley Set to Become World Boxing Champion as Ukrainian Champion Usyk Vacates Belt

England's Fabio Wardley is expected to be elevated to world boxing champion after Usyk opted to give up his championship belt

This follows after Usyk notified the WBO he would not proceed with a mandatory title defence against his mandatory opponent

Official Announcement

The championship body announced that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his championship following careful thought"

The Ukrainian maintains the three major championship belts, having overcome Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in the summer month to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He originally secured the all-belt title holder in May 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship a month afterwards and choosing to avoid the mandatory challenger

"WBO president Gustavo Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a announcement"

"Officials expressed its deep appreciation and respect to the Ukrainian champion, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

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

The WBO added that its organization will always welcome the fighter and his management"

Belt Timeline

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

In July, the championship body required discussions for a mandatory defence against New Zealand's Parker, only for a champion's back problem to require rescheduling of the bout

New Champion's Path

But the 30-year-old British fighter, won the provisional belt from the New Zealander with a huge upset in the later stages at the capital's venue recently and was ordered to fight the champion before the month's conclusion

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the British fighter's elevation but his manager Warren believes it is a certainty

"England has a recent title holder and a new star of the sport"

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

"Some huge fights ahead for next year as he maintains his title and creates a true legacy in the boxing world"

The champion started fighting aged 20, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had just 21 professional fights

Future Prospects

• The likely championship upgrade signals a major shift in the division
• The champion's choice to vacate the belt paves the way for additional challengers
• The fighting community now anticipates verification from the championship body
• The champion's path from unconventional beginning to championship status continues to motivate others