Ipswich boxer Fabio Wardley Expected to Become World Boxing Champion as Ukrainian Champion Usyk Gives Up Championship

The UK's heavyweight contender is set to be promoted to heavyweight title holder after Usyk opted to give up his title

This development comes after Ukrainian fighter informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not proceed with a required championship defense against his mandatory opponent

Official Announcement

The boxing organization confirmed that the champion decided to give up his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk continues to possess the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in the summer month to become a repeat unified title holder

He first became the complete unified champion in last year by beating Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship shortly after and deciding not to fight the obligatory contender

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

"The organization offers its sincere admiration and thanks to the Ukrainian champion, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His achievements mark one of the most impressive and memorable of the contemporary boxing period"

The boxing body stated that its doors "will always remain open the champion and his camp"

Belt Timeline

Usyk won the championship in recently by beating the British star and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In mid-year, the boxing organization mandated talks for a mandatory defence against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to require rescheduling of the contest

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, 30, captured the temporary championship from the New Zealander with a huge upset in the later stages at the capital's venue last month and was ordered to fight the champion before the September deadline

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the title change but his representative believes it is a formality

"The UK has a recent title holder and a emerging fighting personality"

"Among the most remarkable journeys throughout my decades as a sports manager and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Major contests coming up for next year as he maintains his title and builds his reputation in the sport"

Wardley entered the sport at twenty years old, developing through alternative boxing and has had just 21 professional fights

What's Next

• Wardley's expected promotion signals a major shift in the weight class
• The Ukrainian's move to vacate the belt opens new opportunities for additional challengers
• The boxing world now expects formal announcement from the WBO
• The champion's path from alternative background to title holder continues to capture attention