Britain's Fabio Wardley Set to Become World Heavyweight Champion as Oleksandr Usyk Gives Up Championship

The UK's boxing star is expected to be elevated to world boxing champion after Usyk decided to relinquish his championship belt

This follows after the champion told boxing authorities he would not proceed with a required championship defense against Wardley

Boxing Organization's Position

The championship body announced that the champion decided to give up his title after thoughtful consideration"

The Ukrainian maintains the multiple world titles, having beaten his British opponent at the national stadium in July to become a repeat unified title holder

He originally secured the four-belt undisputed champion in spring 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title shortly after and deciding not to fight the obligatory contender

"WBO president Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a announcement"

"Officials expressed its deep appreciation and respect to Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

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

The organization continued that its doors "will always remain open Usyk and his team"

Belt Timeline

The champion captured the world title in 2021 by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In mid-year, the championship body required discussions for a mandatory defence against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to cause the delay of the contest

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, took the interim title from the New Zealander with a huge upset in the 11th round 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 the British fighter's elevation but his manager Warren believes it is a formality

"Britain has a fresh boxing champion and a rising boxing talent"

"A truly extraordinary path during my long career as a sports manager and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Some huge fights ahead for 2026 as he protects his championship and establishes his place in the fighting community"

The champion started fighting aged 20, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had a limited professional record

What's Next

• Wardley's expected promotion represents an important development in the division
• The champion's choice to vacate the belt opens new opportunities for other contenders
• The sport now awaits official confirmation from the championship body
• The champion's path from unconventional beginning to championship status continues to inspire many