Ipswich boxer Fabio Wardley Expected to Become World Boxing Champion as Oleksandr Usyk Relinquishes Title

Britain's heavyweight contender is set to be promoted to heavyweight title holder after Oleksandr Usyk decided to relinquish his championship belt

This development comes after Usyk informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not proceed with a mandatory title defence against Wardley

Boxing Organization's Position

The boxing organization confirmed 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 the famous London venue in mid-year to become a repeat unified title holder

He first became the four-belt undisputed champion 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

"Organization head Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a announcement"

"Officials expressed its deep appreciation and respect to the Ukrainian champion, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His achievements mark one of the most impressive and memorable of the recent fighting history"

The boxing body stated that its doors "will always remain open Usyk and his team"

Title Reign

Usyk secured the world title in two years ago by beating the British star and went on to defend it four times

In mid-year, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a mandatory defence against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to cause the delay of the contest

Wardley's Rise

But the 30-year-old British fighter, captured the temporary championship from his opponent with a significant shock in the later stages at the capital's venue last month and was required to challenge Usyk before the month's conclusion

The championship body still needs to verify the British fighter's elevation but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a done deal

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

"A truly extraordinary path during my long career as a boxing representative and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Some huge fights ahead for next year as he protects his championship and builds his reputation in the fighting community"

Wardley entered the sport aged 20, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had just 21 professional fights

Future Prospects

• The anticipated title change signals a major shift in the division
• Usyk's decision to vacate the belt opens new opportunities for other contenders
• The boxing world now awaits official confirmation from the championship body
• Wardley's story from alternative background to world champion continues to motivate others