🔗 Share this article

The UK's boxing star is set to be promoted to heavyweight title holder after the Ukrainian champion chose to vacate his title

This situation arises after Ukrainian fighter notified the WBO he would not engage in a obligatory title fight against the British challenger

Boxing Organization's Position

The championship body announced that Usyk chose to vacate his championship following careful thought"

Usyk continues to possess the multiple world titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in July to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He originally secured the four-belt undisputed champion in last year by defeating the British champion, before vacating another belt a month afterwards and choosing to avoid the mandatory challenger

"WBO president the WBO leader called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a official release"

"The WBO extends its deep appreciation and respect to Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His achievements mark one of the most extraordinary and historic of the contemporary boxing period"

The organization continued that its organization will always welcome Usyk and his team"

Belt Timeline

Usyk won the WBO belt in 2021 by beating the British star and went on to protect his title repeatedly

In summer, the boxing organization mandated talks for a mandatory defence against interim champion Joseph Parker, only for a champion's back problem to cause the delay of the bout

New Champion's Path

But Wardley, 30, won the provisional belt from Parker with a significant shock in the championship rounds at the capital's venue recently 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 certainty

"England has a fresh boxing champion and a rising boxing talent"

"A truly extraordinary path I've seen in my 45 years as a sports manager and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley"

"Significant bouts in the future for next year as he protects his championship and establishes his place in the fighting community"

The champion started fighting at twenty years old, developing through alternative boxing and has had a limited professional record

Future Prospects

• Wardley's expected promotion represents an important development in the weight class
• The Ukrainian's move to vacate the belt opens new opportunities for additional challengers
• The boxing world now expects formal announcement from the championship body
• Wardley's story from unconventional beginning to title holder continues to capture attention