Ipswich boxer Fabio Wardley Set to Become World Boxing Champion as Ukrainian Champion Usyk Vacates Belt

England's heavyweight contender is set to be promoted to WBO heavyweight champion after Usyk chose to vacate his world title

This situation arises after Ukrainian fighter notified the WBO he would not engage in a required championship defense against the British challenger

WBO Statement

The boxing organization confirmed that Usyk chose to vacate his title after thoughtful consideration"

Usyk still holds the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in mid-year to become a repeat unified title holder

He originally secured the four-belt undisputed champion in last year by defeating the British champion, before vacating another belt five weeks later and opting out of facing the required opponent

"WBO president Gustavo Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a statement"

"The organization offers its deep appreciation and respect to Oleksandr Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His record represents one of the most impressive and memorable of the modern boxing era"

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

Championship History

The champion captured the WBO belt in 2021 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 interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to force the postponement of the fight

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, 30, won the provisional belt from Parker with a significant shock in the 11th round at London's O2 Arena in the previous month and was required to challenge Usyk before the month's conclusion

The WBO is yet to officially confirm Wardley's promotion but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a certainty

"The UK has a recent title holder and a rising boxing talent"

"A truly extraordinary path I've seen in my 45 years as a promoter and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Major contests coming up for the coming period as he maintains his title and creates a true legacy in the fighting community"

Wardley entered the sport at twenty years old, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had just 21 professional fights

What's Next

• The likely championship upgrade represents an important development in heavyweight boxing
• Usyk's decision to give up the championship creates fresh possibilities for additional challengers
• The sport now anticipates verification from the WBO
• The British fighter's journey from alternative background to world champion continues to motivate others