🔗 Share this article

The UK's Fabio Wardley will be upgraded to WBO heavyweight champion after Oleksandr Usyk decided to relinquish his world title

This development comes after Ukrainian fighter told boxing authorities he would not proceed with a required championship defense against the British challenger

Boxing Organization's Position

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

Usyk still holds the three major championship belts, having overcome Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in July to become a double undisputed champion

He initially achieved the four-belt undisputed champion in May 2024 by defeating the British champion, before giving up the IBF title five weeks later and deciding not to fight the obligatory contender

"Organization head the WBO leader praised the Ukrainian fighter in a statement"

"Officials expressed its sincere admiration and thanks to Oleksandr Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His career stands as one of the most remarkable and significant of the contemporary boxing period"

The boxing body stated that its organization will always welcome the fighter and his management"

Championship History

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

In mid-year, the boxing organization mandated talks for a mandatory defence against temporary title holder Parker, only for a champion's back problem to cause the delay of the bout

Wardley's Rise

But the 30-year-old British fighter, took the interim title from his opponent with a significant shock in the later stages at the capital's venue recently and was mandated to face Usyk before the end of September

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

"England has a recent title holder and a new star of the sport"

"A truly extraordinary path throughout my decades as a boxing representative and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Major contests coming up for next year as he protects his championship and establishes his place in the boxing world"

Wardley only began boxing aged 20, developing through alternative boxing and has had a limited professional record

Coming Challenges

• The likely championship upgrade marks a significant moment in heavyweight boxing
• The champion's choice to vacate the belt opens new opportunities for other contenders
• The sport now awaits official confirmation from the boxing organization
• Wardley's story from late starter to world champion continues to motivate others