Britain's Fabio Wardley Set to Become World Heavyweight Champion as Usyk Relinquishes Title

The UK's heavyweight contender is set to be promoted to heavyweight title holder after the Ukrainian champion chose to vacate his championship belt

This development comes after Ukrainian fighter informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not engage in a mandatory title defence against the British challenger

Official Announcement

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

Usyk still holds the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in mid-year to become a double undisputed champion

He initially achieved the four-belt undisputed champion in spring 2024 by defeating the British champion, before relinquishing one championship shortly after and deciding not to fight the required opponent

"WBO president the WBO leader described Usyk as exceptional in a statement"

"The WBO extends its sincere admiration and thanks to Oleksandr Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His record represents one of the most remarkable and significant of the modern boxing era"

The boxing body stated that its institution will continue to support the fighter and his management"

Title Reign

The champion captured the championship in 2021 by beating the British star and went on to defend it four times

In mid-year, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a mandatory defence against temporary title holder Parker, only for a champion's back problem to force the postponement of the fight

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, took the interim title from Parker with a significant shock in the championship rounds at the famous London arena in the previous month and was required to challenge Usyk before the September deadline

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the British fighter's elevation but his representative believes it is a certainty

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

"A truly extraordinary path throughout my decades as a sports manager and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Some huge fights ahead for 2026 as he maintains his title and creates a true legacy in the sport"

The champion started fighting relatively late, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had a limited professional record

Future Prospects

• Wardley's expected promotion marks a significant moment in heavyweight boxing
• The Ukrainian's move to vacate the belt opens new opportunities for other contenders
• The boxing world now awaits official confirmation from the championship body
• Wardley's story from unconventional beginning to title holder continues to inspire many