Britain's Fabio Wardley Expected to Become World Boxing Champion as Usyk Relinquishes Title

England's Fabio Wardley will be upgraded to world boxing champion after Oleksandr Usyk opted to give up his world title

This follows after Ukrainian fighter notified the WBO he would not engage in a required championship defense against Wardley

Official Announcement

The WBO stated that the champion decided to give up his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk continues to possess the three major championship belts, having defeated Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in mid-year to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He initially achieved the complete unified champion in last year by overcoming Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title shortly after and choosing to avoid the obligatory contender

"WBO president Gustavo Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a announcement"

"The WBO extends its deep appreciation and respect to Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His achievements mark one of the most extraordinary and historic of the contemporary boxing period"

The WBO added that its doors "will always remain open Usyk and his team"

Championship History

The champion captured the world title in two years ago by beating the British star and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In summer, the boxing organization mandated talks for a required title defense against temporary title holder Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to force the postponement of the contest

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, 30, took the interim title from the New Zealander with a major surprise in the later stages at London's O2 Arena recently and was required to challenge Usyk before the September deadline

The championship body still needs to verify Wardley's promotion but his manager Warren believes it is a done deal

"Britain has a fresh boxing champion and a new star of the sport"

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

"Significant bouts in the future for the coming period as he defends his WBO belt and establishes his place in the sport"

Wardley only began boxing aged 20, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had just 21 professional fights

What's Next

• Wardley's expected promotion marks a significant moment in the division
• The Ukrainian's move to relinquish the title opens new opportunities for other contenders
• The boxing world now awaits official confirmation from the boxing organization
• The British fighter's journey from late starter to title holder continues to inspire many