Ipswich boxer Fabio Wardley Set to Become World Heavyweight Champion as Oleksandr Usyk Vacates Belt

England's heavyweight contender will be upgraded to WBO heavyweight champion after the Ukrainian champion opted to give up his title

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

WBO Statement

The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk chose to vacate his championship following careful thought"

Usyk still holds the multiple world titles, having beaten his British opponent at the national stadium in July to become a repeat unified title holder

He originally secured the all-belt title holder in spring 2024 by defeating the British champion, before giving up the IBF title a month afterwards and opting out of facing the obligatory contender

"WBO president the WBO leader described Usyk as exceptional in a official release"

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

"His record represents one of the most remarkable and significant of the modern boxing era"

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

Belt Timeline

Usyk secured the world title in 2021 by beating the British star and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In July, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a required title defense against New Zealand's Parker, only for a champion's back problem to require rescheduling of the fight

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, 30, won the provisional belt from Parker with a significant shock in the championship rounds at the capital's venue last month and was required to challenge Usyk before the end of September

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced Wardley's promotion but his representative believes it is a formality

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

"Among the most remarkable journeys during my long career as a sports manager and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Major contests coming up for 2026 as he protects his championship and creates a true legacy in the boxing world"

The champion started fighting relatively late, developing through alternative boxing and has had a limited professional record

Coming Challenges

• The likely championship upgrade represents an important development in heavyweight boxing
• The Ukrainian's move to give up the championship paves the way for more fighters
• The sport now anticipates verification from the WBO
• The champion's path from late starter to world champion continues to inspire many