Britain's Fabio Wardley Expected to Become WBO World Champion as Usyk Vacates Belt

Britain's Fabio Wardley is expected to be elevated to heavyweight title holder after Oleksandr Usyk chose to vacate his championship belt

This follows after Usyk told boxing authorities he would avoid a required championship defense against Wardley

WBO Statement

The championship body announced that Usyk chose to vacate his championship following careful thought"

Usyk still holds the multiple world titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in July to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He first became the complete unified champion in May 2024 by defeating the British champion, before giving up the IBF title five weeks later and opting out of facing the mandatory challenger

"WBO president Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a announcement"

"The organization offers its sincere admiration and thanks to the Ukrainian champion, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His achievements mark one of the most impressive and memorable of the contemporary boxing period"

The boxing body stated that its organization will always welcome the champion and his camp"

Championship History

Usyk won the world title in two years ago by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In July, the championship body required discussions for a required title defense against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to cause the delay of the contest

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, took the interim title from Parker with a huge upset in the championship rounds at London's O2 Arena last month and was required to challenge Usyk before the month's conclusion

The championship body still needs to verify Wardley's promotion but his representative believes it is a certainty

"England has a recent title holder and a rising boxing talent"

"Among the most remarkable journeys I've seen in my 45 years 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 builds his reputation in the boxing world"

Wardley entered the sport relatively late, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had a limited professional record

Coming Challenges

• The anticipated title change signals a major shift in heavyweight boxing
• Usyk's decision to give up the championship creates fresh possibilities for additional challengers
• The fighting community now awaits official confirmation from the championship body
• The British fighter's journey from late starter to title holder continues to motivate others