Fabio Wardley Expected to Become World Heavyweight Champion as Usyk Gives Up Championship

England's heavyweight contender will be upgraded to heavyweight title holder after Usyk chose to vacate his title

This follows after Usyk notified the WBO he would avoid a obligatory title fight against Wardley

WBO Statement

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

Usyk continues to possess the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in July to become a repeat unified title holder

He originally secured the all-belt title holder in last year by defeating the British champion, before giving up the IBF title shortly after and choosing to avoid the obligatory contender

"Boxing official Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a official release"

"Officials expressed its deep appreciation and respect to Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His career stands as one of the most extraordinary and historic of the contemporary boxing period"

The organization continued that its doors "will always remain open the champion and his camp"

Title Reign

Usyk secured the championship in 2021 by beating the British star and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In summer, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a required title defense against temporary title holder Parker, only for a champion's back problem to force the postponement of the bout

British Fighter's Journey

But the 30-year-old British fighter, captured the temporary championship from the New Zealander with a significant shock in the 11th round at the famous London arena in the previous month and was ordered to fight the champion before the end of September

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced the title change but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a certainty

"Britain has a recent title holder and a emerging fighting personality"

"A truly extraordinary path throughout my decades as a boxing representative and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Some huge fights ahead for 2026 as he maintains his title and establishes his place in the fighting community"

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

Coming Challenges

• The anticipated title change marks a significant moment in heavyweight boxing
• Usyk's decision to give up the championship creates fresh possibilities for other contenders
• The boxing world now anticipates verification from the boxing organization
• Wardley's story from late starter to championship status continues to motivate others