Fabio Wardley Expected to Become World Boxing Champion as Oleksandr Usyk Gives Up Championship
England's heavyweight contender will be upgraded to WBO heavyweight champion after the Ukrainian champion opted to give up his championship belt
This follows after Usyk informed the World Boxing Organisation he would avoid a required championship defense against his mandatory opponent
Boxing Organization's Position
The championship body announced that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his belt after deep reflection"
Usyk still holds the multiple world titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in the summer month to become a repeat unified title holder
He initially achieved the four-belt undisputed champion in last year by beating Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt five weeks later and opting out of facing the mandatory challenger
"WBO president the WBO leader described Usyk as exceptional in a official release"
"The WBO extends its sincere admiration and thanks to Oleksandr Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"
"His achievements mark one of the most extraordinary and historic of the recent fighting history"
The organization continued that its organization will always welcome the fighter and his management"
Title Reign
Usyk won the championship in 2021 by overcoming Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly
In mid-year, the championship body required discussions for a mandatory defence against temporary title holder Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to force the postponement of the contest
British Fighter's Journey
But Wardley, captured the temporary championship from Parker with a major surprise in the championship rounds at the famous London arena last month and was mandated to face Usyk before the September deadline
The championship body still needs to verify the title change but his manager Warren believes it is a done deal
"The UK has a fresh boxing champion and a new star of the sport"
"Among the most remarkable journeys throughout my decades as a boxing representative and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"
"Significant bouts in the future for next year as he defends his WBO belt and establishes his place in the boxing world"
Wardley only began boxing at twenty years old, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had a limited professional record
What's Next
- Wardley's expected promotion signals a major shift in heavyweight boxing
- The champion's choice to vacate the belt opens new opportunities for more fighters
- The fighting community now awaits official confirmation from the WBO
- The champion's path from alternative background to title holder continues to inspire many
