Ipswich boxer Fabio Wardley Expected to Become WBO World Champion as Oleksandr Usyk Relinquishes Title

The UK's Fabio Wardley is expected to be elevated to world boxing champion after the Ukrainian champion chose to vacate his title

This development comes after the champion notified the WBO he would not proceed with a mandatory title defence against his mandatory opponent

WBO Statement

The WBO stated that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his title after thoughtful consideration"

The Ukrainian maintains the multiple world titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in mid-year to become a double undisputed champion

He originally secured the all-belt title holder in May 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt a month afterwards and opting out of facing the mandatory challenger

"WBO president the WBO leader described Usyk as exceptional in a official release"

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

"His record represents one of the most impressive and memorable of the modern boxing era"

The WBO added that its doors "will always remain open the champion and his camp"

Belt Timeline

Usyk won the WBO belt in 2021 by beating the British star and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In mid-year, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a required title defense against New Zealand's Parker, only for a champion's back problem to require rescheduling of the bout

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, captured the temporary championship from the New Zealander with a major surprise in the 11th round at the famous London arena last month and was mandated to face Usyk before the end of September

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the title change but his representative believes it is a formality

"England has a new heavyweight world champion 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"

"Significant bouts in the future for the coming period as he protects his championship and establishes his place in the sport"

Wardley entered the sport aged 20, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had a limited professional record

What's Next

• The likely championship upgrade represents an important development in heavyweight boxing
• The champion's choice to relinquish the title paves the way for additional challengers
• The sport now anticipates verification from the WBO
• The British fighter's journey from unconventional beginning to championship status continues to capture attention