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

This situation arises after the champion informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not proceed with a mandatory title defence against the British challenger

WBO Statement

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

The Ukrainian maintains the multiple world titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in the summer month to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He originally secured the four-belt undisputed champion in May 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt a month afterwards and opting out of facing the mandatory challenger

"Boxing official the WBO leader praised the Ukrainian fighter in a statement"

"The organization offers its deep appreciation and respect to Oleksandr Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His achievements mark one of the most remarkable and significant of the contemporary boxing period"

The WBO added that its doors "will always remain open the fighter and his management"

Championship History

Usyk won the world title in recently by overcoming Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In July, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a required title defense against interim champion Joseph 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 Parker with a huge upset in the later stages at the famous London arena in the previous month and was required to challenge Usyk before the month's conclusion

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced the British fighter's elevation but his representative believes it is a done deal

"The UK has a new heavyweight world champion and a rising boxing talent"

"One of the most incredible stories I've seen in my 45 years as a boxing representative and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Some huge fights ahead for 2026 as he maintains his title and creates a true legacy in the fighting community"

Wardley entered the sport at twenty years old, developing through alternative boxing and has had a limited professional record

Coming Challenges

• Wardley's expected promotion signals a major shift in the division
• The Ukrainian's move to give up the championship opens new opportunities for other contenders
• The sport now anticipates verification from the boxing organization
• The champion's path from alternative background to world champion continues to inspire many