🔗 Share this article

Britain's Fabio Wardley is set to be promoted to heavyweight title holder after Oleksandr Usyk opted to give up his title

This follows after Ukrainian fighter notified the WBO he would not engage in a required championship defense against his mandatory opponent

WBO Statement

The championship body announced that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk still holds the three major championship belts, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in July to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He initially achieved the four-belt undisputed champion in last year by defeating the British champion, before giving up the IBF title five weeks later and opting out of facing the required opponent

"Boxing official Olivieri praised the Ukrainian fighter in a official release"

"The organization offers its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to the Ukrainian champion, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

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

The organization continued that its doors "will always remain open the fighter and his management"

Championship History

The champion captured the championship in two years ago by beating the British star and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In July, the boxing organization mandated talks for a required title defense against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to require rescheduling of the contest

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, captured the temporary championship from his opponent with a major surprise in the later stages at London's O2 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 formality

"The UK has a new heavyweight world champion and a rising boxing talent"

"A truly extraordinary path during my long career as a boxing representative and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Major contests coming up for next year as he protects his championship and builds his reputation in the boxing world"

Wardley entered the sport at twenty years old, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had only 21 pro bouts

Future Prospects

• The likely championship upgrade signals a major shift in the division
• The champion's choice to relinquish the title paves the way for additional challengers
• The fighting community now expects formal announcement from the boxing organization
• Wardley's story from late starter to title holder continues to inspire many