Fabio Wardley Poised to Become World Boxing Champion as Usyk Relinquishes Title

England's boxing star is set to be promoted to WBO heavyweight champion after Usyk chose to vacate his championship belt

This follows after Ukrainian fighter informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not proceed with a obligatory title fight against his mandatory opponent

Official Announcement

The WBO stated that the champion decided to give up his belt after deep reflection"

Usyk still holds the three major championship belts, having defeated Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in mid-year to become a double undisputed champion

He initially achieved the complete unified champion in last year by beating Tyson Fury, before relinquishing one championship five weeks later and choosing to avoid the mandatory challenger

"Organization head the WBO leader described Usyk as exceptional in a official release"

"Officials expressed its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His record represents one of the most extraordinary and historic of the recent fighting history"

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

Belt Timeline

Usyk won the WBO belt in recently by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In summer, the championship body required discussions for a required title defense 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, captured the temporary championship from the New Zealander with a significant shock in the later stages at the famous London arena recently and was ordered to fight the champion before the September deadline

The championship body still needs to verify the title change but his representative believes it is a certainty

"England has a new heavyweight world champion and a emerging fighting personality"

"A truly extraordinary path I've seen in my 45 years as a boxing representative and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"

"Some huge fights ahead for the coming period as he defends his WBO belt and establishes his place in the boxing world"

The champion started fighting at twenty years old, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had only 21 pro bouts

Coming Challenges

• Wardley's expected promotion represents an important development in the weight class
• The champion's choice to relinquish the title creates fresh possibilities for more fighters
• The boxing world now expects formal announcement from the WBO
• Wardley's story from alternative background to championship status continues to inspire many