Fabio Wardley Poised to Become World Heavyweight Champion as Ukrainian Champion Usyk Gives Up Championship
England's boxing star is expected to be elevated to world boxing champion after the Ukrainian champion decided to relinquish his world title
This follows after Ukrainian fighter told boxing authorities he would not proceed with a required championship defense against Wardley
WBO Statement
The championship body announced that Usyk chose to vacate his championship following careful thought"
The Ukrainian maintains the multiple world titles, having beaten his British opponent at the famous London venue in the summer month to become a repeat unified title holder
He initially achieved the complete unified champion in last year by defeating the British champion, before vacating another belt five weeks later and choosing to avoid the mandatory challenger
"Organization head Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a statement"
"The organization offers its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to the Ukrainian champion, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"
"His career stands as one of the most extraordinary and historic of the contemporary boxing period"
The WBO added that its organization will always welcome the champion and his camp"
Championship History
The champion captured the world title in two years ago by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly
In summer, the boxing organization mandated talks for a obligatory championship fight against temporary title holder Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to require rescheduling of the bout
New Champion's Path
But the 30-year-old British fighter, took the interim title from his opponent with a major surprise in the 11th round at the famous London arena last month and was mandated to face Usyk before the September deadline
The championship body still needs to verify the British fighter's elevation but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a certainty
"Britain has a recent title holder and a rising boxing talent"
"Among the most remarkable journeys during my long career as a boxing representative 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 boxing world"
The champion started fighting at twenty years old, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had just 21 professional fights
Coming Challenges
- The anticipated title change marks a significant moment in the division
- The champion's choice to give up the championship opens new opportunities for other contenders
- The fighting community now awaits official confirmation from the championship body
- Wardley's story from late starter to world champion continues to motivate others