Ipswich boxer Fabio Wardley Poised to Become World Boxing Champion as Ukrainian Champion Usyk Gives Up Championship
The UK's Fabio Wardley is expected to be elevated to WBO heavyweight champion after the Ukrainian champion decided to relinquish his world title
This situation arises after Ukrainian fighter notified the WBO he would avoid a mandatory title defence against his mandatory opponent
Official Announcement
The championship body announced that the champion decided to give up his championship following careful thought"
The Ukrainian maintains the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having defeated Daniel Dubois at the famous London venue in the summer month to become a double undisputed champion
He originally secured the complete unified champion in last year by beating Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt shortly after and deciding not to fight the obligatory contender
"Boxing official the WBO leader described Usyk as exceptional in a announcement"
"The WBO extends 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 organization will always welcome the champion and his camp"
Championship History
Usyk secured the WBO belt in 2021 by beating the British star and went on to protect his title repeatedly
In July, the boxing organization mandated talks for a mandatory defence against New Zealand's Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to cause the delay of the fight
Wardley's Rise
But Wardley, 30, captured the temporary championship from Parker with a major surprise in the 11th round at the famous London arena last month and was ordered to fight the champion before the September deadline
The championship body still needs to verify Wardley's promotion but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a done deal
"The UK has a fresh boxing champion and a rising boxing talent"
"A truly extraordinary path throughout my decades as a promoter and I could not be happier for the British fighter"
"Significant bouts in the future for next year as he protects his championship and creates a true legacy in the boxing world"
The champion started fighting relatively late, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had just 21 professional fights
Future Prospects
- Wardley's expected promotion signals a major shift in heavyweight boxing
- The champion's choice to relinquish the title paves the way for additional challengers
- The sport now expects formal announcement from the championship body
- Wardley's story from unconventional beginning to championship status continues to capture attention