🔗 Share this article

Britain's heavyweight contender is set to be promoted to heavyweight title holder after Oleksandr Usyk opted to give up his title

This development comes after the champion notified the WBO he would avoid a obligatory title fight against the British challenger

WBO Statement

The WBO stated that Usyk chose to vacate his belt after deep reflection"

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

He initially achieved the four-belt undisputed champion in May 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship a month afterwards and deciding not to fight the required opponent

"Boxing official Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a announcement"

"The organization offers its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Oleksandr Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His record represents one of the most impressive and memorable 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 defend it four times

In July, the championship body required discussions for a obligatory championship fight against New Zealand's Parker, only for a champion's back problem to force the postponement of the fight

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, 30, won the provisional belt from his opponent with a huge upset in the 11th round at London's O2 Arena recently and was mandated to face Usyk before the end of September

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the title change but his representative believes it is a formality

"England has a new heavyweight world champion and a emerging fighting personality"

"A truly extraordinary path throughout my decades as a boxing representative and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Major contests coming up for next year as he defends his WBO belt and creates a true legacy in the boxing world"

Wardley entered the sport aged 20, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had a limited professional record

Coming Challenges

• The anticipated title change signals a major shift in the weight class
• The Ukrainian's move to vacate the belt paves the way for additional challengers
• The sport now expects formal announcement from the boxing organization
• The champion's path from late starter to championship status continues to inspire many