Fabio Wardley Expected to Become World Heavyweight Champion as Ukrainian Champion Usyk Vacates Belt

England's boxing star will be upgraded to WBO heavyweight champion after Usyk chose to vacate his title

This development comes after Usyk notified the WBO he would not engage in a required championship defense against his mandatory opponent

WBO Statement

The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his championship following careful thought"

Usyk continues to possess the multiple world titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in the summer month to become a double undisputed champion

He originally secured the four-belt undisputed champion in last year by beating Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title shortly after and choosing to avoid the required opponent

"Boxing official Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a statement"

"The organization offers its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His career stands as one of the most impressive and memorable of the modern boxing era"

The organization continued that its organization will always welcome the champion and his camp"

Belt Timeline

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

In July, the championship body required discussions for a mandatory defence against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to force the postponement of the fight

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, 30, won the provisional belt from the New Zealander with a huge upset in the championship rounds at the famous London arena last month and was mandated to face Usyk before the end of September

The championship body still needs to verify the British fighter's elevation but his representative believes it is a certainty

"Britain has a new heavyweight world champion and a emerging fighting personality"

"One of the most incredible stories throughout my decades as a sports manager and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Significant bouts in the future for 2026 as he protects his championship 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

Future Prospects

• The likely championship upgrade signals a major shift in heavyweight boxing
• The champion's choice to relinquish the title creates fresh possibilities for other contenders
• The boxing world now expects formal announcement from the WBO
• Wardley's story from alternative background to world champion continues to capture attention