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The UK's boxing star will be upgraded to world boxing champion after the Ukrainian champion decided to relinquish his championship belt

This situation arises after Ukrainian fighter informed the World Boxing Organisation he would avoid a obligatory title fight against his mandatory opponent

Boxing Organization's Position

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

Usyk still holds the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having beaten his British opponent at the national stadium in the summer month to become a double undisputed champion

He originally secured the four-belt undisputed champion in May 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt shortly after and deciding not to fight the required opponent

"WBO president the WBO leader called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a official release"

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

"His career stands as one of the most impressive and memorable of the modern boxing era"

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

Belt Timeline

Usyk won the world title in 2021 by overcoming Joshua and went on to defend it four times

In mid-year, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a required title defense against New Zealand's Parker, only for a champion's back problem to cause the delay of the contest

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, won the provisional belt from the New Zealander with a significant shock in the later stages at the famous London arena in the previous month and was ordered to fight the champion before the end of September

The championship body still needs to verify Wardley's promotion but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a certainty

"England has a fresh boxing champion and a emerging fighting personality"

"A truly extraordinary path throughout my decades as a boxing representative and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

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

Wardley only began boxing aged 20, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had just 21 professional fights

Future Prospects

• The likely championship upgrade marks a significant moment in the division
• Usyk's decision to vacate the belt opens new opportunities for more fighters
• The boxing world now anticipates verification from the boxing organization
• The British fighter's journey from alternative background to championship status continues to inspire many