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The UK's Fabio Wardley is set to be promoted to world boxing champion after Oleksandr Usyk decided to relinquish his championship belt

This development comes after Ukrainian fighter informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not proceed with a mandatory title defence against the British challenger

WBO Statement

The championship body announced that the champion decided to give up his championship following careful thought"

Usyk continues to possess the multiple world titles, having beaten his British opponent at Wembley Stadium in mid-year to become a double undisputed champion

He originally secured the four-belt undisputed champion in May 2024 by defeating the British champion, before giving up the IBF title five weeks later and deciding not to fight the required opponent

"WBO president Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a official release"

"Officials expressed its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to the Ukrainian champion, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His career stands as one of the most remarkable and significant of the modern boxing era"

The organization continued that its organization will always welcome Usyk and his team"

Title Reign

Usyk won the world title in two years ago by overcoming Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

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 bout

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, took the interim title from Parker with a significant shock in the later stages at the famous London arena recently and was mandated to face Usyk before the September deadline

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced the British fighter's elevation but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a formality

"Britain has a new heavyweight world 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 2026 as he protects his championship and builds his reputation in the boxing world"

The champion started fighting at twenty years old, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had only 21 pro bouts

What's Next

• The anticipated title change signals a major shift in heavyweight boxing
• The champion's choice to give up the championship creates fresh possibilities for additional challengers
• The boxing world now anticipates verification from the boxing organization
• Wardley's story from unconventional beginning to world champion continues to motivate others