🔗 Share this article

England's heavyweight contender is set to be promoted to heavyweight title holder after the Ukrainian champion chose to vacate his championship belt

This situation arises after Ukrainian fighter informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not proceed with a obligatory title fight against the British challenger

Official Announcement

The boxing organization confirmed that the champion decided to give up his title after thoughtful consideration"

Usyk continues to possess the three major championship belts, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in the summer month to become a double undisputed champion

He originally secured the four-belt undisputed champion in spring 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt five weeks later and deciding not to fight the mandatory challenger

"Organization head Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a official release"

"The organization offers its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His achievements mark one of the most extraordinary and historic of the modern boxing era"

The boxing body stated that its doors "will always remain open Usyk and his team"

Belt Timeline

The champion captured the WBO belt in 2021 by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In summer, the championship body required discussions for a required title defense against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a champion's back problem to cause the delay of the bout

Wardley's Rise

But the 30-year-old British fighter, took the interim title from the New Zealander with a significant shock in the championship rounds at London's O2 Arena last month and was required to challenge Usyk before the September deadline

The WBO is yet to officially confirm the British fighter's elevation but his representative believes it is a formality

"England has a new heavyweight world champion and a new star of the sport"

"One of the most incredible stories throughout my decades as a boxing representative and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Some huge fights ahead for 2026 as he maintains his title and establishes his place in the fighting community"

Wardley only began boxing at twenty years old, developing through alternative boxing and has had only 21 pro bouts

Future Prospects

• The likely championship upgrade marks a significant moment in the weight class
• The champion's choice to relinquish the title creates fresh possibilities for additional challengers
• The sport now anticipates verification from the championship body
• The British fighter's journey from late starter to title holder continues to motivate others