Fabio Wardley Poised to Become WBO World Champion as Oleksandr Usyk Vacates Belt

The UK's boxing star will be upgraded to WBO heavyweight champion after Usyk decided to relinquish his championship belt

This development comes after the champion notified the WBO he would avoid a obligatory title fight against the British challenger

Official Announcement

The championship body announced that the champion decided to give up his championship following careful thought"

Usyk continues to possess the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in July to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He originally secured the four-belt undisputed champion in spring 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt a month afterwards and deciding not to fight the mandatory challenger

"Organization head Gustavo Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a official release"

"The organization offers its sincere admiration and thanks to the Ukrainian champion, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His achievements mark one of the most remarkable and significant of the recent fighting history"

The boxing body stated that its doors "will always remain open the fighter and his management"

Championship History

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

In July, the championship body required discussions for a obligatory championship fight against New Zealand's Parker, only for a champion's back problem to cause the delay of the contest

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, captured the temporary championship from his opponent with a major surprise in the 11th round at the capital's venue recently and was mandated to face Usyk before the September deadline

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the title change but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a done deal

"England has a new heavyweight world champion and a rising boxing talent"

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

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

Wardley only began boxing at twenty years old, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had only 21 pro bouts

What's Next

• The anticipated title change marks a significant moment in heavyweight boxing
• The Ukrainian's move to give up the championship opens new opportunities for more fighters
• The fighting community now anticipates verification from the boxing organization
• The champion's path from unconventional beginning to world champion continues to capture attention