Fabio Wardley Poised to Become World Heavyweight Champion as Usyk Relinquishes Title

The UK's Fabio Wardley is set to be promoted to heavyweight title holder after Oleksandr Usyk chose to vacate his championship belt

This situation arises after Ukrainian fighter told boxing authorities he would avoid a required championship defense against the British challenger

Official Announcement

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

Usyk continues to possess the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having beaten his British opponent at Wembley Stadium in mid-year to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He first became the four-belt undisputed champion in last year by defeating the British champion, before vacating another belt five weeks later and deciding not to fight the required opponent

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

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

"His achievements mark 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

Usyk won the world title in two years ago by overcoming Joshua and went on to defend it four times

In mid-year, the boxing organization mandated talks for a mandatory defence against temporary title holder Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to require rescheduling of the bout

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, took the interim title from Parker with a significant shock in the 11th round at the famous London arena in the previous month and was mandated to face Usyk before the month's conclusion

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the British fighter's elevation but his manager Warren believes it is a done deal

"The UK has a new heavyweight world champion and a new star of the sport"

"A truly extraordinary path throughout my decades as a sports manager and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Major contests coming up for the coming period as he protects his championship and builds his reputation in the sport"

Wardley only began boxing at twenty years old, 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 champion's choice to vacate the belt creates fresh possibilities for other contenders
• The fighting community now anticipates verification from the championship body
• The British fighter's journey from late starter to title holder continues to motivate others