🔗 Share this article

Britain's Fabio Wardley is expected to be elevated to world boxing champion after the Ukrainian champion chose to vacate his world title

This development comes after Usyk informed the World Boxing Organisation he would avoid a obligatory title fight against Wardley

Boxing Organization's Position

The WBO stated that the champion decided to give up his belt after deep reflection"

The Ukrainian maintains the three major championship belts, having defeated Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in the summer month to become a repeat unified title holder

He originally secured the all-belt title holder in last year by beating Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title five weeks later and choosing to avoid the required opponent

"Boxing official the WBO leader described Usyk as exceptional in a announcement"

"The organization offers its sincere admiration and thanks to Oleksandr Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His record represents one of the most extraordinary and historic of the recent fighting history"

The boxing body stated that its doors "will always remain open the champion and his camp"

Belt Timeline

Usyk won the world title in recently by beating the British star and went on to successfully defend multiple 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 cause the delay of the contest

New Champion's Path

But the 30-year-old British fighter, took the interim title from his opponent with a huge upset in the championship rounds at London's O2 Arena last month and was required to challenge Usyk before the end of September

The WBO is yet to officially confirm Wardley's promotion but his manager Warren believes it is a done deal

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

"Among the most remarkable journeys I've seen in my 45 years as a sports manager and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Some huge fights ahead for next year as he defends his WBO belt and establishes his place in the boxing world"

Wardley only began boxing relatively late, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had a limited professional record

What's Next

• The anticipated title change represents an important development in the division
• The champion's choice to relinquish the title opens new opportunities for more fighters
• The sport now anticipates verification from the WBO
• Wardley's story from late starter to world champion continues to inspire many