Ipswich boxer Fabio Wardley Poised to Become WBO World Champion as Usyk Vacates Belt

Britain's Fabio Wardley is expected to be elevated to world boxing champion after Oleksandr Usyk chose to vacate his world title

This follows after Usyk informed the World Boxing Organisation he would avoid a obligatory title fight against Wardley

Official Announcement

The WBO stated that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his championship following careful thought"

The Ukrainian maintains the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in mid-year to become a repeat unified title holder

He originally secured the complete unified champion in last year by defeating the British champion, before vacating another belt a month afterwards and opting out of facing the obligatory contender

"Organization head Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a official release"

"The WBO extends its sincere admiration and thanks to the Ukrainian champion, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His record represents one of the most extraordinary and historic of the modern boxing era"

The boxing body stated that its doors "will always remain open the fighter and his management"

Belt Timeline

Usyk won the championship in recently by overcoming Joshua and went on to defend it four times

In summer, the boxing organization mandated talks for a mandatory defence against New Zealand's Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to force the postponement of the fight

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, took the interim title from Parker with a major surprise in the 11th round at the capital's venue recently and was mandated to face Usyk before the September deadline

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

"England has a new heavyweight world champion and a rising boxing talent"

"One of the most incredible stories during my long career as a promoter and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Some huge fights ahead for next year as he maintains his title and builds his reputation in the boxing world"

Wardley only began boxing relatively late, developing through alternative boxing and has had just 21 professional fights

Coming Challenges

• The likely championship upgrade marks a significant moment in the weight class
• Usyk's decision to give up the championship opens new opportunities for more fighters
• The sport now expects formal announcement from the boxing organization
• Wardley's story from late starter to title holder continues to motivate others