🔗 Share this article

Britain's boxing star will be upgraded to WBO heavyweight champion after the Ukrainian champion chose to vacate his world title

This situation arises after Ukrainian fighter informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not engage in a mandatory title defence against Wardley

Boxing Organization's Position

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

The Ukrainian maintains the three major championship belts, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in the summer month to become a double undisputed champion

He first became the four-belt undisputed champion in May 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt five weeks later and choosing to avoid the mandatory challenger

"Boxing official the WBO leader called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a announcement"

"The WBO extends its deep appreciation and respect to Oleksandr Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His record represents one of the most extraordinary and historic of the modern boxing era"

The WBO added that its doors "will always remain open the champion and his camp"

Title Reign

The champion captured the world title in two years ago by overcoming Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In summer, the boxing organization mandated talks for a obligatory championship fight against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to cause the delay of the fight

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, 30, captured the temporary championship from his opponent with a major surprise in the later stages at London's O2 Arena in the previous month and was ordered to fight the champion before the September deadline

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced the title change but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a done deal

"Britain has a recent title holder 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"

"Some huge fights ahead for the coming period as he maintains his title and creates a true legacy in the fighting community"

Wardley only began boxing at twenty years old, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had a limited professional record

Coming Challenges

• The likely championship upgrade marks a significant moment in the weight class
• The Ukrainian's move to relinquish the title opens new opportunities for more fighters
• The fighting community now expects formal announcement from the WBO
• Wardley's story from unconventional beginning to championship status continues to inspire many