🔗 Share this article

England's Fabio Wardley is set to be promoted to heavyweight title holder after the Ukrainian champion chose to vacate his title

This situation arises after Usyk told boxing authorities he would not proceed with a required championship defense against his mandatory opponent

Boxing Organization's Position

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

The Ukrainian maintains the multiple world titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in mid-year to become a double undisputed champion

He first became the all-belt title holder in spring 2024 by defeating the British champion, before giving up the IBF title a month afterwards and deciding not to fight the required opponent

"Boxing official Gustavo Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a official release"

"The organization offers its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His achievements mark one of the most remarkable and significant of the recent fighting history"

The boxing body stated that its institution will continue to support Usyk and his team"

Championship History

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

In mid-year, the boxing organization mandated talks for a required title defense against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a champion's back problem to force the postponement of the contest

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, won the provisional belt from his opponent with a significant shock in the later stages at the famous London arena last month and was mandated to face Usyk before the month's conclusion

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

"England has a fresh boxing champion and a rising boxing talent"

"One of the most incredible stories during my long career as a promoter and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Significant bouts in the future for 2026 as he defends his WBO belt and builds his reputation in the boxing world"

The champion started fighting aged 20, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had only 21 pro bouts

What's Next

• The likely championship upgrade signals a major shift in the weight class
• Usyk's decision to relinquish the title opens new opportunities for additional challengers
• The boxing world now anticipates verification from the boxing organization
• Wardley's story from unconventional beginning to world champion continues to inspire many