Fabio Wardley Set to Become World Boxing Champion as Ukrainian Champion Usyk Relinquishes Title
Britain's heavyweight contender is expected to be elevated to world boxing champion after Oleksandr Usyk opted to give up his world title
This situation arises after Ukrainian fighter informed the World Boxing Organisation 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 title after thoughtful consideration"
The Ukrainian maintains the three major championship belts, having beaten his British opponent at the famous London venue in July to become a repeat unified title holder
He first became the four-belt undisputed champion in last year by overcoming Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title five weeks later and choosing to avoid the obligatory contender
"Boxing official Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a announcement"
"The organization offers its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"
"His career stands as one of the most impressive and memorable of the contemporary boxing period"
The organization continued that its doors "will always remain open the champion and his camp"
Belt Timeline
Usyk secured the championship in two years ago by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly
In mid-year, the championship body required discussions for a mandatory defence against New Zealand's Parker, only for a champion's back problem to require rescheduling of the fight
British Fighter's Journey
But the 30-year-old British fighter, took the interim title from his opponent with a significant shock in the championship rounds at London's O2 Arena recently and was mandated to face Usyk before the end of September
The championship body still needs to verify the title change but his manager Warren believes it is a formality
"England has a fresh boxing champion and a emerging fighting personality"
"A truly extraordinary path throughout my decades as a sports manager and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"
"Some huge fights ahead for the coming period as he defends his WBO belt and builds his reputation in the sport"
The champion started fighting at twenty years old, developing through alternative boxing and has had a limited professional record
Future Prospects
- The likely championship upgrade marks a significant moment in the division
- Usyk's decision to give up the championship paves the way for additional challengers
- The fighting community now anticipates verification from the championship body
- Wardley's story from unconventional beginning to championship status continues to capture attention