Fabio Wardley Poised to Become World Boxing Champion as Ukrainian Champion Usyk Gives Up Championship

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

This situation arises after Ukrainian fighter told boxing authorities he would not engage in a obligatory title fight against the British challenger

Official Announcement

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

The Ukrainian maintains the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in July to become a double undisputed champion

He initially achieved the four-belt undisputed champion in last year by overcoming Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship five weeks later and deciding not to fight the required opponent

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

"The organization offers 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 modern boxing era"

The WBO added that its organization will always welcome Usyk and his team"

Title Reign

The champion captured the world title in recently by overcoming Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In summer, the championship body required discussions for a required title defense against New Zealand's Parker, only for a champion's back problem to force the postponement of the bout

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, 30, won the provisional belt from his opponent with a huge upset in the 11th round at the famous London arena recently and was ordered to fight the champion before the end of September

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced Wardley's promotion but his representative believes it is a done deal

"The UK has a fresh boxing champion and a rising boxing talent"

"A truly extraordinary path I've seen in my 45 years as a promoter and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Some huge fights ahead for 2026 as he protects his championship and creates a true legacy in the fighting community"

The champion started fighting at twenty years old, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had only 21 pro bouts

What's Next

• Wardley's expected promotion signals a major shift in the weight class
• Usyk's decision to give up the championship paves the way for more fighters
• The fighting community now anticipates verification from the championship body
• The British fighter's journey from alternative background to championship status continues to capture attention