Britain's Fabio Wardley Poised to Become World Boxing Champion as Usyk Gives Up Championship

Britain's boxing star is set to be promoted to world boxing champion after the Ukrainian champion chose to vacate his championship belt

This situation arises after Ukrainian fighter notified the WBO he would not engage in a obligatory title fight against his mandatory opponent

Boxing Organization's Position

The championship body announced that the champion decided to give up his championship following careful thought"

Usyk still holds the three major championship belts, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in July to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He initially achieved the complete unified champion in last year by beating Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship five weeks later and deciding not to fight the required opponent

"Organization head the WBO leader 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 extraordinary and historic of the modern boxing era"

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

Title Reign

Usyk secured the WBO belt in 2021 by beating the British star and went on to defend it four times

In summer, the boxing organization mandated talks for a required title defense against New Zealand's Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to cause the delay of the bout

Wardley's Rise

But the 30-year-old British fighter, won the provisional belt from the New Zealander with a huge upset in the later stages at the famous London arena last month and was required to challenge Usyk before the September deadline

The championship body still needs to verify the title change but his representative believes it is a certainty

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

"A truly extraordinary path I've seen in my 45 years as a promoter 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 sport"

The champion started fighting aged 20, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had only 21 pro bouts

What's Next

• The anticipated title change marks a significant moment in heavyweight boxing
• The champion's choice to vacate the belt creates fresh possibilities for other contenders
• The sport now expects formal announcement from the WBO
• The British fighter's journey from late starter to world champion continues to motivate others