Ipswich boxer Fabio Wardley Poised to Become World Heavyweight Champion as Usyk Gives Up Championship

Britain's heavyweight contender will be upgraded to heavyweight title holder after Oleksandr Usyk opted to give up his championship belt

This follows after Ukrainian fighter notified the WBO he would not proceed with a mandatory title defence against his mandatory opponent

Official Announcement

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

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

He initially achieved the all-belt title holder in last year by defeating the British champion, before giving up the IBF title five weeks later and deciding not to fight the obligatory contender

"Organization head Gustavo Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a announcement"

"The organization offers its sincere admiration and thanks to Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His career stands as one of the most impressive and memorable of the recent fighting history"

The organization continued that its doors "will always remain open the fighter and his management"

Belt Timeline

Usyk won the WBO belt in 2021 by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

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

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, won the provisional belt from the New Zealander with a major surprise in the later stages at the capital's venue recently and was mandated to face Usyk before the September deadline

The championship body still needs to verify the British fighter's elevation but his manager Warren believes it is a certainty

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

"Among the most remarkable journeys during my long career as a sports manager and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Significant bouts in the future for next year as he maintains his title and builds his reputation in the fighting community"

Wardley only began boxing aged 20, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had a limited professional record

What's Next

• The anticipated title change represents an important development in the division
• The champion's choice to relinquish the title opens new opportunities for more fighters
• The fighting community now anticipates verification from the championship body
• The British fighter's journey from late starter to championship status continues to motivate others