Britain's Fabio Wardley Set to Become World Heavyweight Champion as Oleksandr Usyk Relinquishes Title
Britain's heavyweight contender will be upgraded to heavyweight title holder after the Ukrainian champion opted to give up his title
This follows after Ukrainian fighter informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not proceed with a obligatory title fight against the British challenger
Boxing Organization's Position
The championship body announced that Usyk chose to vacate his belt after deep reflection"
Usyk continues to possess the three major championship belts, having beaten his British opponent at Wembley Stadium in mid-year to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion
He initially achieved the complete unified champion in last year by defeating the British champion, before vacating another belt a month afterwards and deciding not to fight the mandatory challenger
"WBO president the WBO leader described Usyk as exceptional in a official release"
"The WBO extends its deep appreciation and respect to the Ukrainian champion, an unbeaten multi-division champion"
"His career stands as one of the most remarkable and significant of the modern boxing era"
The WBO added that its doors "will always remain open the champion and his camp"
Championship History
Usyk secured the WBO belt in recently by beating the British star 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 force the postponement of the fight
New Champion's Path
But Wardley, 30, captured the temporary championship from the New Zealander with a significant shock in the 11th round at the famous London arena in the previous month and was mandated to face Usyk before the end of September
The boxing organization hasn't formally announced the title change but his manager Warren believes it is a formality
"The UK has a fresh boxing champion and a new star of the sport"
"A truly extraordinary path during my long career as a promoter and I could not be more pleased for Wardley"
"Significant bouts in the future for next year as he protects his championship and establishes his place 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 marks a significant moment in heavyweight boxing
- The champion's choice to give up the championship creates fresh possibilities for additional challengers
- The fighting community now expects formal announcement from the boxing organization
- The British fighter's journey from late starter to title holder continues to inspire many