Ipswich boxer Fabio Wardley Set to Become WBO World Champion as Usyk Relinquishes Title

Britain's Fabio Wardley is expected to be elevated to world boxing champion after Oleksandr Usyk opted to give up his championship belt

This follows after the champion notified the WBO he would avoid a required championship defense against his mandatory opponent

WBO Statement

The WBO stated that the champion decided to give up his title after thoughtful consideration"

The Ukrainian maintains the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in mid-year to become a double undisputed champion

He first became the four-belt undisputed champion in spring 2024 by defeating the British champion, before vacating another belt five weeks later and deciding not to fight the mandatory challenger

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

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

"His career stands as one of the most extraordinary and historic of the recent fighting history"

The organization continued that its organization will always welcome the champion and his camp"

Belt Timeline

Usyk won the WBO belt in two years ago by overcoming Joshua and went on to defend it four times

In summer, the boxing organization mandated talks for a required title defense against New Zealand's Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to require rescheduling of the fight

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, 30, won the provisional belt from his opponent with a major surprise in the championship rounds at London's O2 Arena recently and was mandated to face Usyk before the month's conclusion

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 rising boxing talent"

"One of the most incredible stories during my long career as a promoter and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Some huge fights ahead for 2026 as he maintains his title and creates a true legacy in the fighting community"

The champion started fighting at twenty years old, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had a limited professional record

What's Next

• Wardley's expected promotion marks a significant moment in the weight class
• The Ukrainian's move to vacate the belt creates fresh possibilities for additional challengers
• The boxing world now anticipates verification from the boxing organization
• The champion's path from unconventional beginning to world champion continues to motivate others